Health targets for Europe

Health targets for E Smoke-free Olympics, Barcelona 1992, a step towards a smokeless society A healthy, well- balanced diet is essential for physical and mental well-being. In 1977. WHO's Member States resolved that by the year 2000 people everywhere should have access to health services enabling them to lead socially and economically productive lives. The European Member States adopted a regional strategy in 1984. it contains 38 targets that must be reached to make the dream of HEALTH FOR ALL (HFA) BY THE YEAR 2000 a reality in Europe. They enable us to assess whether politicians. health authorities and health profes- sionals support HFA. They tell us whether all sectors in society. such as agriculture and education. are working for better health. They measure whether we all. as indi- viduals. support it. All European countries agreed to follow the plan of action. without. of course. being obliged to follow it pre- cisely. Each country will develop a strategy based on its own specific problems and possibilities. The targets are about equity in ·health. adding life to years. adding health to life and adding years to life; about healthy life-styles. healthy environment and appro- priate care; and about research. health policies. education. and appropriate technology. What is your country doing to reach these targets? Exercise is good- but not just anywhere. A polluted atmosphere will hamper the benefits. ~ Time is ticking away. Quick action is needed, if we are to achieve a healthier environment. A cleaner environment, appropriate health services and active leisure time will help us achieve a healthier life. ~ Our health is threatened by a polluted environment. 11le struggle for a cleaner planet must goon . .rile goal of Health for All is our common responsibility. We have to work together to achieve it. Lrope ••• W ORLD HEALTH. November-December 1991 Clean air, water, earth and food are essential for a healthy life. ~ • A major task for the 1990s will be to find ways to prevent and better manage natural and man-made disasters. The quality of health care is veiY ~ important: merely providing care is not enough.