WORLD
HEALTH ORGANIZATION
REGIONAL OFFICE FOR THE WESTERN PACIFIC BUREAU RtGIONAL DU PACifiQUE OCCIDENTAL
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ORGANISATION MONOIALE , DE LA SANTE
REGIONAL COMMITTEE Thirty-second session Seoul 22-28 September 1981 Provisional agenda item 16.2
WPR/RC32/11 24 July 1981 ORIGINAL: ENGLISH
CORRELATION OF THE WORK OF THE WORLD HEALTH ASSEMBLY, THE EXECUTIVE BOARD AND THE REGIONAL COMMITTEES Consideration of resolutions of the Thirty-fourth World Health Assembly
Resolutions directly related to other items on the provisional agenda of the current session of the Regional Committee form part of the documentation for those individual agenda items. Additional resolutions adopted by the Thirty-fourth World Health Assembly of interest for the work of the Western Pacific Region are here1;>y presented to the Regional Committee for comment, together with short analyses of their implications for Member States of the Region and for WHO's programme of cooperation. Relevant resolutions adopted by the Executive Board at its sixty-seventh session in January 1981 are reflected in the resolutions of the Health Assembly mentioned above. Of the three resolutions adopted by the Executive Board at its sixty-eighth session in May 1981, none is of direct relevance to the work of the Regional Committee for the Western Pacific Region.
WPR/RC32/11 page 2 1. Reimbursement of travel costs of representatives to regional committees (resolution WHA34.4)
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Attention is drawn to the first operative paragraph. The provisions of the resolution came into effect as soon as it was adopted. Member States of the Western Pacific Region whose contributions to the WHO regular budget are at the minimum rate in the scale of assessments may now request the Organization to finance the actual cost of travel, excluding per diem, of one representative to sessions of the Regional CODDIli ttee. The letter sent to eligible Member States inviting them to name their representatives to the Regional Committee reminded them of this resolution. 2. Organizational study on the role of WHO in training in public health and health ro ramme mana ement includin the use of coyntry health programming (resolution WHA34.14 Attention is drawn to operative paragraphs three and four. 2.1 Implications for Member States of the Region
In order to implement operative paragraph three of resolution WHA34.14, Member States will first need to initiate the development of national information systems for managing "health for all" strategies. Such systems will enable evolving socioeconomic and health trends in the communities to be monitored. Management roles and functions by level of responsibility will have to be identified; and health staff at the periphery engaged in simple health systems research and development activities. The design of a human resource development programme to respond to the above-mentioned requirements should then be ini tiated, which would include the identification of appropriate organizational and technical resources for training in management; the development of coordination mechanisms between ministries of health and the national institutions involved; and the use of non-formal educational te~hniques as a means of developing the required activities. 2.2 Implications for WHO's programme of cooperation in the Region
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WHO must respond swiftly and flexibly to the requirements of Member States. It will do so by providing technical and managerial expertise in support of continuing or planned activities; stimulating the initiation of those activities where they have not yet started; identifying regional and interregional resources, both human and institutional; and stimulating the sharing of experience and human and institutional resources through the regional health development network. 2.3 Implications for the work of the Regional Committee
Operative paragraph four refers to the work to be done by the Regional Committee. In developing the proposed plan of action for implementing the Regional Strategy for Health for All by the Year 2000, the Sub-Committee on the General Programme of Work has referred to the action being taken to provide support to the managerial process for
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WPR/RC32/11 page 3
.... national health development. l The findings of the study will be taken into consideration in this context and will be reviewed by the Sub-Committee and subsequently by the Regional Committee in the future, as part of their review of the above-mentioned plan of action. 3. International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes (resolution WHA34.22) Attention 1S drawn to operative paragraphs one, two and three. 3.1 Implications for Member States of the Region
In confirmation of resblution WHA33.32 adopted by the Thirty-third World Heal th Assembly in 1980, and the endorsement in their entirety of the statement and recommendations made by the Joint WHO/UNICEF Meeting on Infant and Young child Feeding, Member States have now adopted, by operative paragraph one of resolution WHA34.22, the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes. The governments of Member States are urged to adhere to the Code as one of several important actions required in support of the implementation of the recommendations of the joint WHO/UNICEF Meeting, which include the encouragement and support of breastfeeding, promotion and support of appropriate weaning with local foods, strengthening of education and training, and improvement of the health and social status of women. Member States will now be expected to translate the International Code into national legislation, regulations or other measures. Member States will need to take an intersectoral approach 1n implementing the prov1s10ns of the Code, involving in particular the social and economic sectors, and to establish an effective monitoring system to ensure compliance. In accordance with the request of several Member States at the Health Assembly and in order to aid them 1n carrying out their responsibilities for implementing and monitoring the Code at country level, WHO has prepared for the consideration of the Regional Committee, Gui<Jing Principles for facilitating reporting by Member States on action taken in the field of infant and young child feeding. 2 3.2 Implications for WHO's programme of cooperation in the Region
WHO 15 collaborating in initiating activities, including national workshops, in support of breastfeeding 10 Fiji, Hong Kong, Papua New Guinea and Samoa. In addition to the codes evolved in Malaysia, Papua New Guinea and Singapore, the Philippine national code for marketing of breastmilk substitutes will be finalized soon. lOocument WPR/RC32/6 Add.2, paragraph 20(6). 2The Guiding Principles for facilitating reporting by Member States 00 action taken in the field of infant and young child feeding, together with a copy, for ease of reference, of resolution WHA33.32, brought to the attention of the Regional Committee at its thirty-first session in 1980, are issued separately as document WPR/RC32/11 Add.l.
WPR/RC32/ll page 4
The International Code adopted by the World Health Assembly is being printed as an official WHO document with annexes on related WHO resolutions and statements. 1 Further, a two-year plan of action in the field of infant and young child feeding 1.S being drawn up 1.n close cooperation with UNICEF. WHO will endeavour to give all possible support to Member States as and when required, in particular in the preparation of national legis lation or other measures. These activities may be undertaken 1.n collaboration with other United Nations agencies through regular WHO programme areas, such as maternal and child health and nutrition, and with the support of regular and extrabudgetary resources. 3.3 Implications for the work of the Regional Committee
Operative paragraph three refers to the work to be done by the Regional Committee in following up and reviewing implementation of the resolution. Since implementation is just commencing, the Committee will wish to comment on the relevance of the Guiding Principles for facilitating reporting by Member States on action taken in the field of infant and young child feeding, the second paragraph of the introduction to which describes the reporting requirements ~ together with any other points covering the implementation of the Code.
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4.
Nutritional value and safet of roducts s ecificall intended for infant and young child feeding (resolution WHA34.23 Attention is drawn to operative paragraphs two and three.
4.1
Implications for Member States of the Region
The second preambular paragraph of resolution WHA34.23 stresses the need for Member States to make the best use of scientific knowledge and available technologies to ensure the nutritional value and safety of products intended for infant and young child feeding. Studies are required on the manufacture and storage of these foods under the condi tions prevailing in arid and tropical regions. Member States "are urged to cooperate with WHO for the success ful carrying out of these studies and to make voluntary contributions to support them. They could also share their expertise and facilities with other Members. 4.2 Implications for WHO's programme of cooperation in the Region
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Operative paragraph four of resolution WHA34.22 (see Item 3 above) requests the FAO/WHO Codex Alimentarius Commission to consider the action it might take to improve the quality standards of infant foods. WHO is initiating studies in this field and as a preliminary step is setting up
lrnternational Code Geneva, 1981: In press.
of
Marketing
of
Breastmilk Substitutes, WHO,
2The Guiding Principles for facilitating reporting by Member States on action taken in the field of infant and young child feeding, together with a copy, for ease of reference, of resolution WHA33. 32, brought to t:he attention of the Regional Committee at its thirty-first SeSlill.Q$'\ in. 1980, are issued separately as document WPR/RC32/II Add.I.
WPR/RC32/11 page 5
an international team of experts and institutions who might be approached to give advice or support to Member States. In the Western Pacific Region, Australia, Japan and Philippines have already been invited to participate. Efforts will be coordinated at the global level in close collaboration with FAO and the Codex Alimentarius Commission. 5. International Drinking-Water Supply and Sanitation Decade <resolution WHA34.25) Attention 5.1 1S
drawn to operative paragraphs two and three.
Implications for Member States of the Region
Administrators will need to develop and implement new strategies and approaches aimed at accelerating the pace of sector programmes through the adoption and implementation of relevant policies; developing or strengthening suitable mechanisms to facilitate policy formulation, the development of national Decade plans, and the coordination of the activities of all involved national agencies, including their active participation in Decade programmes; and incorporating activities for the improvement of drinking-water supply and sanitation services into national primary health care programmes, particularly with respect to community participation and health education. 5.2 Implications for WHO's programme of cooperation in the Region
WHO will need to intensify its efforts to further develop and implement its strategy of support for the Decade; to fulfil its role of technical cooperation in the context of the Decade; and to cooperate with Member States, agencies of the United Nations system and multibi1atera1 agencies concerned, in exchanging information and facilitating financial support for relevant programmes and projects. In this connexion, greater emphasis will be given to seeking funds for the construction of facilities and to developing support programmes for community water supply and sanitation. 6. Promotion of prevention of adverse health effects of disasters and emergencies through preparedness (resolution WHA34.26) Attention is drawn to operative paragraph two. 6.1 Implications for Member States of the Region
The keyword for emergency care in the event of a natural disaster is "preparedness". This implies a great effort on the part of the authorities, who must prepare and keep up to date an overall <lisaster plan. Health administrators, who should be represented on national disaster planning and coordinating committees, should develop plans for the provision of health care in emergencies, which would include measures to prevent the occurrence of outbreaks and spread of communicable diseases. Disaster preparedness should also be taken into consideration when designing hospitals and choosing hospital sites, or clinic locations.
WPR/RC32/ll page 6 In the disruption caused by a natural disaster, individuals and institutions are called upon to assume duties that may not normally fall under their responsibility. Mechanisms for collaboration and cooperation at central, intermediate and community levels must be developed, as well as community preparedness, especially 1n areas of high risk. 6.2
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Implications for WHO's programme of cooperation in the Region
WHO must promote disaster consciousness and provide technical support in the development of disas ter plans. It could arrange for exchanges of information and experience, and organize training programmes or sponSor fellowships in developing preparedness. Preparedness in the event of disasters should also be taken into consideration in programmes of cooperation for the reorganization of health care delivery systems through primary health care. WHO must be quickly responsive to requests for collaboration in emergencies associated with natural calamities or with outbreaks of communicable disease. Essential information on the disaster, including the health risks. musl be provided to all concerned as a basis for the mobilization of external resources; and such resources, including health support from the Uni ted Nations and other international organizations, must be coordinated. WHO could also provide technical support 1n the preparation and implementation of plans for the reconstruction and rehabilitation or relocation of health facilities. 7. Periodicity and dura~ion
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of health assemblies (resolution WHA34.28)
Attention is drawn to operative paragraph two. The resolution is brought to the attention of the Regional Committee in view of the fact that resolution WPR/RC3l. R15 adopted by the Regional Committee at its thirty-first session supported the proposed amendment to the Constitution which would have resulted 1n biennial World Health Assemblies. The Sub-Committee on the General Programme of Work has already given preliminary consideration to the implications for the work of the Regional Committee should the Health Assembly decide to change the periodicity to biennial. In view of the decis ion of the World Health Assemb ly, however. and the fact that, as the resolution states, the study of WHO's structures in the light of its functions is still incomplete (preambular paragraph tour) the Committee will no doubt wish to reserve further discussion for such time as the matter is raised again at the Health Assembly. 8. Collaboration with the United Nations system - International Year of Disabled Persons, 1981: WHO's cooperative activities within the Vnited Nations system for disability prevention and , rehabilitation (resolution WHA34.30) Attention is drawn to operative paragraph two.
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WPR/RC32/ll page 7 8.1 Implications for Member States of the Region
A number of Member States have taken action to implement resolution WPR/RC3l.R20 adopted by the Regional Committee on the programme for disability prevention and rehabilitation, usually by designating a national coordinating agency for the International Year of Disabled Persons and by giving appropriate pUblicity to the special needs of the disabled. In some instances, national conferences have been convened, or are planned, in order to develop guidelines for the further integration of programmes for the disabled in national health planning. World Health Assembly resolution WHA34.30 seeks the commitment of governments beyond the period of the International Year of Disabled Persons for the development and integration of permanent programmes into the health budgets or for their improvement where they already exist. Important initiatives which governments could take might include: (a) establishment of intersectoral machinery within the government to provide for continuous advocacy of means to fulfil the needs of the disabled, special educational and employment opportunities, retraining, housing, provision for the disabled in public facilities and public information and advisory services; support for nongovernmental organizations providing preventive, rehabilitative, social, occupational' and educational services for the disabled; budgetary support for the assessment and management services of health and ed~cation ministries; exploration of avenues of prevention by health ministries through special promotion of public health programmes as outlined in the Report of the Director-General to the Executive Board at its sixty-seventh session. l
(b)
(c)
(d)
8.2
Implications for WHO's programme of cooperation in the Region
WHO will need to support national programmes at primary health care level through the methodical collection, classification, analysis and distribution of information on local initiatives. This might effectively be shared in the context of technical cooperation among Member States. The informat ion tIc learing house" process would also inc lude close collaboration with United Nations' and other agencies providing funds. as well as with recognized nongovernmental organizations which offer a high degree of expertise in rehabilitation. WHO leadership initiatives in the Region already planned for 1981 include a working group on disability prevention and rehabilitation, which will take place in December, and will review problems and identify priOrlt1es at regional and country level and recommend action programmes for the future. As a consequence of these exchanges of information, WHO will cooperate in evaluating the efficacy of the many new initiatives that can be expected as countries further integrate special services for the disabled in their "heal th for all" plans. lSee document EB67/198l/REC/1, page 223.
THIRTY-FOURTH WORLD HEALTH ASSEMBLY
Wf/A34.4
15 May 1981
REIMBURSEMENT OF TRAVEL COSTS OF REPRESENTATIVES TO REGIONAL COMMITTEES
The Thirty-fourth World Health Assembly, Having noted that in recent years certain Member States have either been unable to send representatives to sessions of regional committees because of financial constraints, or have sent representatives and incurred financial hardship in doing so; Having noted further the views and recommendations of regional committees and the Ex'ecutive Board on this m<1tter; DECIDES that the actual cost of travel, excluding per diem, of one representative to sessions of regional committees may be financed by the Organization upon reques~ of those Members and Associate Members whose contributions to the WHO regular budget are at the minimum rate in the scale of assessments, the maximum reimbursement being restricted to the equivalent of one economy/tourist return air ticket from the capital city of the Member to the place of the session.
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Twelfth Plenary Meeting. 15 May 1981 A34/vR/l2
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THIRTY-FOURTH WORLD HEALTH ASSEMBLY
W8A34.14 . 20. May 1981
ORGANIZATlOOAL8'lUDY ON THE ROLE OF .''Il10 IN '1M!NIlIG IN PUBLIC HEAL'm AND HEALTH PBOG~ ~T INCLUDING THE USE OF COUNTRY HEALft~~mG""
The Thirty-fourth World
Hea~th
A. ...,).y,
Having examined the Executive Board's report on ita oraanizatioaal s~d,on therale of WHO in training in public health and health Pl'ogr. . . . . . . . . 014\:, tacldt"tbeuse of country health progr~ing;l Reaffirming resolutions ~3.61, WHA26.35, WW8.. 88,. WHA2.9.72 • .....,1.12, WIIAll.43 and WHA32. 30 concerning the developmep.t of naUonal healda .iuvlc• .,..c....... <1*1IIiiary , heal th care, and the need for suitable management methoda and • unified' . . . . .dd process for national health development and tralRlA&. Recognizing that, to reorient their health .y.t.u towards the attaiD1iaent of the social goal of health for all by the year 2000, countriea will have to apply a systematic managerial process for national health develop_nt; Convinced thatche development: apd application of a systematic managerial procesa depends on political will as well as on appropriate, .aserial competencies" and that such competencies can be generated through appropriate aad systeIMtized ......elllitnt training activities; Noting the experience in management training accumulated by a nUlllber of countries, as well as the experience of WHO; Recognizing that the strengthening of management and related training forms an integral part of the global strategy for health for all by the year 2000; 1. CONGRATULATES the Executive Board on its study;
2.
ENDORSES its conclusions and recommendations;
3. URGES Member States to include, as essential components of their strategies for health for all by the year 2000, strategies for strengthening . .nasement and management trainin~ tvr various' categories of personnel and for developing suitable career structures for those trained and, as part of these strategies: (1) to identify their specific needs for trainina in health unaae_nt. and to appraise, as a matter of urgency. the statuli of their iMnagement training resources, both human and material; (2) to estabI ish a permanent mechanism, including the organization of a national network for health development, as appropriate, for developing. applYlng, .nd providing training in the managerial process for na~ionalbealth cieftlop.ent and related health services research; 1
Document EB&7/1981/REC/l. AnnexS.
t.\,,... , .. '.' .'
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WHAl4.14 page 2 (3) tu develop appropriate traln1nl ae:tivitiea1n ,health mana..-nt .tdcl~iA$~th. provision of in-aervi.ce tra1.nlna 1n 1l\8titution.~4,'ne clevelopl~an4"Hl,J;_ ' " the cQWl.try·. _nagari.al proceas for bealthclevdopment. and thestr.",the,a1f,..ot I;be .........at tt'ainina cOllllpOMnt of basic ,po.tbasi.e: .andcont.inulng~.~ion prograa.es for health personnel, including schools of public health, aedicine, nursing, other health personnel and teacher training centres; REQUESTS the regional co.aittees to review theimplicatio.ns of thestudy's fiEldings for the1r respective regions and to develop, 1n support of national efforts, resional strategies for the i.,l...ntation of the study's recOlllD8nGations; 4.
o
5.
RBQUESTS the Director-General: to Lmpit!lIMtnt, as part of WHO's role in implementing the global strategy for health 101' all, a coherent strategy in support of training in health management, along the lines proposed in the Executive Board's report; (1) (2) to facilitate technical cooperation among developing countries and foater cooperation between developed and developing countries in this area;
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(3) to seek extrabudgetary funds for this purpose, and to assist in channelling bilateral and other funds to where the needs are greatest;
6. REQUESTS the Executive Board to monitor progress in' the implementation of the recommendations of the study.
.. Fourteenth plenary meeting, 20 May 1981
A34/VR/14
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THIllTY-'OUI:m WOlUJ)
HEALrB
AS8pBLT
WM34.22
21 IIay 1981
The Thirty-fourth World Health
Aa.~ly
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. Reeosnizing the 11Iportance of sOund infant and young child nutrition for the futut'e health and development of the child and adult; "".,..Recalling that b;r.-ea.tfeeding is the only natural methOd of infant feeclina andtbat i t .ust be actively pro~6C~d and promoted in all countries; Convinced that govemeents of MreiIIIIbflr States have ~t:_t re,aponslbilitl.s .aDda ,d... role to play in the proteetion and prOlBOtion ()f breastfeedina a. a _ _a of ~ inf&11t and young child health; Aware of the direct and indirect effects of marketing practic.es of breas.tailk substitutes on infant feeding practices; Convinced that the protection and promQtion of infant feedin&» tncludl~ ~. regulation of the marketing of breastailk substitutes, affect infant and. young child' healJll\,dlrectly atld profoundly, and are a probieai of diree·t concern to WHO; - . . ,
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Having cODstdered the Draft International Code of MArketing of Breaat.11~ prepared by the Director-General and forwarded to it by the Executive Board;
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ExpreSSing its gratitude to the Director-General and tD the Executive Director of t,le United Nations Children's Fund for the steps they have taken in ensuring clo.. con.ult~tion with Member States and with all other parties concerned in the proees8 of preparing the Draft International Code; Having considered the recommendation made thereon by the Egecutive Board at its 8iztyseventh session; Confirming resolution WHA33.32, including the endor....nt in their entirety of thestat...nt and reco_ndations made by the joint WHO/UNICEF Meeting on Infant and Yev;aa CltiW Fe.cU.oa held from 9 to 12 October 1979; Stressing that the adoption of and adherence to the International Code of ~rketin8 of Breastmilk Substitutes is a minimum requirement and only one of several i1l!pOrtant actions required in order to protect healthy practices in respect of infant and young child feeding; 1. ADOPTS, in the sense of Article 23 of the Constitution, the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes annexed to the present resolution; l.
URGES all Member States: (1)
to give full and unanimous support to the implementation of the recommendations . .d~
by the joint WHO/UNICEF Meeting on Infant and Young Child Feeding and o·f the provisions of the International Code in its entirety as an expression of the collective will of the
membership of the World Health Organization;
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(2) to translate the, International Code into national legiSlation, reflUlAtibft$ ot otber suita,ble measures; (3) to involve all concerned social and economic sectors and all other concerned parties in the implementation of the International Code and in the observance of the provisions thereof;
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(4)
to monitor the compliance with the Code;
3. DECIDES that the follow-up to and review of the implementation of this resolution shall be undertaken by regional committees, the Executive Board and the Health As..-bly in the spirit of resolution WHA33.l7; lr. REQUESTS the FAO/wHO Codex AUmentarius Commission to give full consideration, within the framework of its operational mandate. to. action it might take to improve the qUAlity standards of infant foods, and to support and promote the implementation of the International Code;
5.
REQUESTS the Director-General: to give all possible support to Member States, as and when request..r"r the implementation of the International Code, and in particular in the prep~..,ton of national legislation and other measures related thereto in accordance with operative subparagraph 6(6) of resolutionWHA33.32; (1)
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(2) to use his good offices for the continued cooperation with all parties concerned in the implementation and monitoring of the International Code at country, regional and global levels; (3) to report to the Thirty-sixth World Health Assembly on the status of c08Iplian¢e with and implementation of the Code at country, regional and global levels; (4) based on the conclusions of the status report. to make proposals, if nece.aary, for revision of the text of the Code. and for the measures needed for its effective application. I
Fifteenth Plenary Meetina, 21 May 1981 A34/VR/15
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WHA34.22 page 3
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ANNEX INTERNATIONAL CODE OF MARKETING OF BREASTMILK SlIBSTl'nITES
CONTENTS Page Preamble Article 1. Article 2. Article 3. Article 4. Article 5. ;;i..
.. Aim of the Co.de Scope of the Code Definitions
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5 5 "
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5 6 7
Infox,nation and edllcation The general public and mothers Health care systems Health workers
Article 6. Article 7. Article 8. Article 9. Article 10. Article 11.
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7 8 9
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Persons employed by manufacturers and distributors Labelling Quality. Implementation and JIIonitoring
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9 10
The Member States of the World Health Organization: Affirnling the right of ,every child and every pregnant and lactating woman to be adequately nourished as a means of attaining and maintaining health; Recognizing that infant malnutrition is part of the wider problems of lack of education, poverty, and social injustice; Recognizing that the health of infants Hnd young children cannot be isolated from the h(·alth and nutrition of women, their so(~ioE'conomic status and their roles as mothers; Consciolls that breastfeeding is an unequallt,d way of providing ideal food for the healthy growth and development of infants; that it forms a unique biological and emotional basis for the health of both mother and child; that the anti-infective properties of breasttnilk help to. prote,ct infants against disease; and that there is an important relationship between breastfeeding and child-spacing;
WHA34.22 "age 4 ~
Recogniz ing that the encouragement and protection of breastfeeding is an important part of the health, nutrition and other social measures required to promote healthy growth and development of infants and young children; and that breastfeed1ng is an important aspect of .primary health care; Considering that when mothers do not breastfeed, or only do so partially, there is a legitimate market for infant formula and for suitable ingredients from which to prepare it; that all these products should accordingly be made accessible to those who need them through commercial or non-commercial distribution systems; and that they should not be market,ed or distributed in ways that may interfere with the protection and promotion of breastfeeding; Recognizing further that inappropriate feeding practices lead to infant malnutrition. morbidity and mortality in all countries, and that improper practices in the marketing of breastmilk substitutes and related produc,ts can contribute to these major public health problems; Convinced that it is important for infants to receive appropriate complementary toods, usually when the infant reaches four to six months of age, and that every effoJ;'t, should be made to use locally available foods; and convinced, nevertheless, that such cb!iplementary foods should not be used as breastmilk substitutes; Appreciating that there are a number of social and economic factors a~fecting b~east feeding, and that, accordingly, governments should develop social suppott ~Y's'tenis to protect, facilitate and encourage it, and that they should create an environment thar. fosters breastfeeding, provides appropriate family and community support, and protects h\:6ih~t"s from factors that inhibix breastfeeding; Affirming that health care systems, and the health professidnals and other health workers serving in them, have an essential role to play in guiding infant feeding practices, encouraging and facilitating breastfeeding, and providing objective and consistent advice to mothers and families about the superior value of breastfeeding, or, where neeGed, OR the proper use of infant formula, whether ~nufactured industrially or ho~e-prepared; Affirming further that educational systems and other social services should be involved in the protection and promotion of breastfeeding, and in the appropriate use of complementary foods; Aware that families, communities, women's organizations and other nongov~~ental organizations have a special role to play in the protection and promotion of breastfeeding and in ensuring the support needed by pregnant women and mothers of infants and young children, whether breast feeding or not; Affirming the need for governments, organizations of the United Nations system, nongovernmental organizations, experts in various related disciplines. consumer groups and industry to cooperate in activities aimed at the improvement of maternal, infant and young child health and nutrition; , Recognizing that governments should undertake a variety Of health, nutrition and other social measures to promote healthy growth and development of infants and young children, and that this Code concerns only one aspect of these measures; Considering that manufacturers and distributLlrs of breastmilk substitutes have an important and constructive role to play in relation to infant feeding, and 1n the promotion nf the aim of this Code and its proper implementation; Affirming that governments are called upon tLl take action appropriate to their social and legislative framework and their overall development objectives to sive effect to the principles and aim of this Code, including the enactment of leglslation, regulations or other suitable measures;
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WHA34.22 page 5
that, in the light of the foregoing considerations, and in view of the ,)l inl<1llts in the (~nrly months of life and lht, rillk~j involved in inappropriatE: ll'~'ding practices, including the unnecessary and improper USt' of breastmilk substitutes, the marketing of breastmilk substitutes requires special treatment, which makes usual marketing B~lievinK \'\ltn~'nll'il1ty
practices unsuitable for these products; THEREFORE: The Member States hereby agree the following articles which are recommended as a basis for action. Article 1 Aim of the Code The aim of this Code is to contribute to the provision of safe and adequate nutrition for infants, by the protection and promotion of breastfeeding, and by ensuring the proper use of breastmilk substitutes, when these are necessary, on the basis of adequate information and through appropriate marketing and distribution. Article 2 Scope of the Code The Code applies to the marketing, and practices related thereto, of the following products: breastmilk substitutes, including infant formula; other milk products, foods and beverages, including bottle-fed complementary foods when marketed or otherwise represented to be suitable, with or without modification, for uSe as a partial or total replacement of breastmilk; feeding bottles and teats. It also applies to their quality and availability, and to information concerning their use. Article 3 Definitions For the purposes of this Code: "Breastmilk substitute" means any food being marketed or otherwise represented as a partial or total replacement for breastmilk, whether or not suitable for that purpose. any food, whether manufactured or locally prepared, suitable as a complement to breastmilk or to infant formula, when either becomes insufficient to satisfy the nutritional requirements of the infant. Such food is also commonly called "weaning food" or "breastmilk supplement", any form of packaging of products for sale as a normal retail unit, including wrappers. a person, corporation or any other entity in the public or private sector engaged in the business (whether directly ..'r indirectly) of marketing at the wholesale or retail level a product within the scope of this Code. A "primary distributor" is a manufacturer's sales agent, representative, national distributor or broker.
"Complementary food"
means
"Cclntainer"
lIWilns
WHA34.22 page. 6 Annex "Health care system" means governmental, nongovernmental or private institutions or organiza tiona engased. directly or indirectly, in health care for mothers. infants and pregnant women; and nurseries or child-care institutions. It also includes health workers in private practice. For the purposes of this Code. the health care system does not include pharmacies or other established sales outlets. a person working in a component of such a health care system, whether professional or non-professional, including voluntary, unpaid workers. a breastmilk substitute formulated industrially in accordance with applicable Codex Alimentarius standards, to satisfy the normal nutritional requirements of infants up to between four and six months of age, and adapted to their phYSiological characteristics. Infant formula may also be prepared at home, in which case it is described as "home-prepared". any tag, brand, mark, pictorial or other descriptive matter, written, printed, stencilled. marked, embossed or impressed on, or attached to, a container (see above) of any products within the scope of this Code. a corporation or other entity in the public or private sector engaged in the business or function (whether directly or through an agent or through an entity controlled by or under contract with it) of manufacturing a product within the scope of this Code. product promotion, distribution, selling, advertising, product public relations, and information services. any persons whose functions involve the marketing of a product or products coming within the scope of this Code. single or small quantities of a product provided without cost. quantities of a product provided·for use over an extended period, free or at a low price, for social purposes, inc14ding those provided to families in need.
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"Health worker"
means
"Infant formula"
means
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"Label"
means
''Manufacturer''
means
"Harketing"
means
"Marketing personnel"
means
"Samples"
means
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"Supplies"
means
Article 4 Information and education 4.1
Governments should have the responsibility to ensure that objective and consistent information is provided on infant and young child feeding for use by families and those involved in the field of infant and young child nutrition. This responsibility should cover either the planning, provision, design and dissemination of information, or their control.
4.2 Informational and educational materials whether written, audio, or visual, dealing with the feeding of infants and intended to reach pregnant women and mothers of infants and young children, should include clear information on all the following points: (a) the benefits and
WHA34.22 page 7 Annex ;.uperi,'rity L)[ bre~~stleeding; (b) matL'rnal nutrition, and the preparation for and maintenance e'l breastfeeding; (c) the negative effect on breastfeeding of introducing partial bottlefeeding; (d) the difficulty of reversing the decision not to breastfeed; and (e) where needed, the proper use of infant formula, whether manufactured industrially or home-prepared. hlhen stich materials cnntcl.in information about tilt' lise of i.nfant formula, they should include the slH-'ial and financial implications ,'1 its lise; tht' health hazards of inappropriate foods or ft>edillg methL)ds; and. ill particular. the health hazards of unnecessary or improper use of infant formula and ,)ther breastmilk substitutes. Such materials should not use any pictures or text which may idealize the use of breastmilk substitutes.
4.3 Donations of informational or educational equipment or materials by manufacturers or distributors should be made only at the request and with the written approval of the appropriate government authority or within guidelines given by governments for this purpose. Such equipment or materials may bear the donating company's name or logo, but should not refer to a proprietary product that is within the scope of this Code, and Should be distributed only through the health care system. Article 5 The general public and mothers
5.1 There should be no advertiSing or other form of promotion to the general public of products within the scope of this Code. 5.2 Hanufacturers and distributors should not provide, directly or indirectly, to pregnant women, mothers or members of their families, samples of products within the scope of this Code.
5.3 In conformity with paragraphs 1 and 2 of this Article, there should be no point-of-sale advertising, giving of samples, or any other promotion device to induce sales directly to the consumer at the retail level, such as special displays, discount coupons, premiums, special sales, loss-leaders and tie-in sales, for products within the scope of this Code. This provision should not restrict the establishment of pricing policies and practices intended to provide products at lower prices on a long-term basis. Manufacturers and distributors should not distribute to pregnant women or mothers of infants and young children any gifts of articles or utensils which may promote the use of breastmilk substitutes or bottle-feeding. 5.5 Marketing personnel, in their business capacity, should not seek direct or indirect contact of any kind with pregnant women or with mothers or infants and young children. Article 6 lIealth care systems 6.1 T11(, health authorities in Member States should take appropriate measures to encourage and protect breastfeeding and promote the principles of this Code, and should give appropriate information and advice to health workers in regard to their responsibilities, including the information specified in Article 4.2.
5.4
6.2 No facility of a health care system should be used for the purpose of promoting infant formula or other products within the scope of this Code. This Code does not, however, preclude the dissemination of information to health professionals as provided in Article 7.2. 6.3 Pacilities of health care systems should not be used for the display of products within the scope of thIs Code, for placards or posters concerning such products, or for the distribution of material provided by a manufacturer or distributor other than that specified in Art ide 4. '3.
WHA34.22 page 8 ~
6.4' The use by the health care system of "professional service representatives", "mothercraft nurses" or similar personnel, provided or paid for by manufacturers or ,distributors, should not be permitted. 6.5 Feeding with infant formula, whether manufactured or home-prepared, should be demonstrated only by health workers, or other community workers if necessaryj and only to the mothers or family members who need to use it; and the information given should include a clear explanation of the hazards of improper use. 6.6 Donations or low-price sales to institutions or organizations of supplies of infaht formula or other products within the scope of this Code, whether for use in the ins'titutions or for distribution outside them, may be made. Such supplies should only be used or distributed for infants who have to be fed on breastmilk substitutes. If these supplies are distributed for use out.side the instituU'ons, this should be done only by the institutions or organizations concerned. Such donations or low-price sales should not be used by manufacturers or distributors as a sales inducement. 6.7 Where donated supplies of infant fornula or other products within the scope of this Code are distributed outside an institution, the institution or organization should take steps to ensure that supplies can be continued as long as the infants concerned need them. Donors, as well as institutions or organizations concerned, should bear in mind this responsibili ty. 6.8 Equipment and materials, in addition to those referred to in Article 4.3, donated to a health care system may bear a company's name or logo, but should not refer to any proprietary product. within the scope of this Code. . Article 7 Health workers 7.1 Health workers should encourage.and protect breastfeedingj and those who are concerned in particular with maternal and infant nutrition should make themselves familiar with their responsibilities under this Code, including the information specified in Article 4.2 7.2 Information provided by manufacturers and distributors to health professionals regarding products within the scope of this Code should be restricted to scientific and factual matters, and such information should not imply or create a belief that bottle-feeding is equivalent or~ superior to breastfeeding. It should also include the information specified in Article 4.2. 7.3 No financial or material inducements to promote products within the scope of this Code should be offered by manufa.cturers or distributors to health workers or members of their families, nor should these be accepted by health workers or members of their families. 7.4 Samples of infant formula or other products within the scope of this Code, or of equipment or utensils for their preparation or use, should not be provided to health workers except When necessary for the purpose of professional evaluation or research at the institutional level. Health workers should not give samples of infant formula to pregnant women, mothers of infants and young children, or members of their families. 7.5 Manufacturers and distributors of products within the scope of this Code should disclose to the institution to which a rt'cipient health worker is affiliated any contribution made to or on his behalf for fellowships, study tours, research grants, attendance· at professional conferences, or the like. Similar disclosures should be made by the recipient. _
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WHA34.22
page 9
.iiiIiIArticle 8 Persons employed by manufacturers and distributors 8.1 In systems of sales incentives within the scope of this Code should quotas be set specifically for sales prevent the payment of bonuses based marketed by it. for marketing personnel, the volume of sales of products not be included in the calculation of bonuses, nor should of these products. This should not be understood to on the overall sales by a company of other products
8.2 Personnel employed in marketing products within the scope of this Code should not, as part of their job responsibilities, perform educational functions in relation to pregnant women or mothers of infants and young children. This should not be understood as preventing such personnel from being used for other functions by the health care system at the request and with the written approval of the appropriate authority of the government concerned. Article 9 Labelling () • .l el [
Labels should be designed to provide the necessary information about the appropriate use the product, and so as not to discourage breastfeeding.
9.2 Manufacturers and distr~butors of infant formula should ensure that each container has a clear, conspicuous, and easily readable and understandable message printed on it, or on a label which cannot readily become separated from it, in an appropriate language, which includes all the follOWing points: (a) the words "Important Notice" or their equivalent; (b) a statement of the superiority of breastfeeding; (c) a statement that the product should be used only on the advice of a health worker as to the need for its use and the proper method of use; (d) instructions for appropriate preparation, and a warning against the health hazards of inappropriate preparation. Neither the container nor the label should have pictures of infants, nor should they have other pictures or text which may idealize the use of infant formula. They may, however, hav~ graphics for easy identification of the product as a breastmilk substitute and for illustrating methods of preparation. The terms "humanized", "maternalized" or similar terms should not be used. Inserts giving additional information about the product and its proper use, subject to the above conditions, may be included in the package or retail unit. When labels give instructions for modifying a product into infant formula, the above should apply. 9.3 Food products within the scope of this Code, marketed for infant feeding, which do not meet all the requirements of an infant formula, but which can be modified to do so, should carryon the label a warning that the unmodified product should not be the sole source of nourishment of an infant. Since sweetened condensed milk is not suitable for infant feeding, nor for use as a main ingredient of infant formula, its label should not contain purported instructions on how to modify it for that purpose. 9.4 The label of food products within the scope of this Code should also state all the following points: (a) the ingredients used; (b) the composition/analysis of the product; (c) the storage conditions reqUired; and (d) the batch number and the date before which the product is to be consumed, taking into account the climatic and storage conditions of the country concerned. Article 10 Quality 10.1
The quality of products is an essential element for the protection of the health of infants and therefore should be of a high recognized standard.
F(10d products within the scope of this Code should, when sold or otherwise distributed, appl i cahle standards recommended by the Codex Alimentarills Commi.ssion and ;~lso thi' C(1dex Cnd,' ()[ lIygienic Practices [,,'" FOllds te'l- infants and Children. m('l~t
iO.2
.. WHA34.22 page 10 ~
Arti.cle 11 Implementation and monitorina 11.1 Governments should take action to give effect to the principles and aim of this Code, as appropriate to their social and legislative framewOTk, including the adoption of national legislation, regulations or other sui table measures. For this .purpose, gov'ernments shol,l.14 seek, when necessary, the cooperation of WHO, UNICEF and otn.r agencies of the United Nations system. National policies and measures, including laws and regulations, which are adopted to give effect to the principles and aim of this Code should be publicly stated. and should apply on the same basis to all those involved in the manufacture arid !1D8rketing o'fprodl!lct. within the scope of this Code.
c
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Monitoring the application of thil Code lies with govel:'nments actina individuaUy, and collectively through the World Health Organization as provided in paragraphs 6 and 7 of thiS Article. The manufacturers and distributors of products within the scope of this Code, and appropriate nongovernmental organizations, professional groups, and consumer organiz.~ions should collaborate with governments to this end. 11.2
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_
11.3 Independently of any other measures taken for turers and distributors of products within the scope responsible for monitoring their marketing practices this Code, and for taking steps to ensure that their
implementation of this Code, manufacof this Code should r • • rd the11lHt"es according to the prt _ _ l . . . . . aitt of conduct at every level con~rm8 to them.
11.4 Nongovernmental organizations, professional groups, institutions, and in4t~tduals concerned Should have the responsibility of drawing the attention of manufacturers or distributors to activities which are incompatible ·'with the principles and aim of 'this Code, so that appropriate action can be taken. The appropriate goverhmental authority shoull! also be informed.
1l.5 Manufac turers and primary dis tribu tors of products wi thin the $cope of thiS :Code should apprise each member of their marketing personnel of the Code: and of their re.pOilsilUlities under it. 11.6 In accordance with Article 62 of the Constitution of the World Health Otgdi:2ati<>n, Member States shall communicate annually to the Director-General information an action taken to give effect to the principles and aim of this Code. 11.7 The Director-General shall report in even years to the World Health Assembly on the status of implementation of the Code; and shall, on request, provide teCQnical support to Member States preparing national legislation or regulations, or taking other appropriate measures in implementation and furtherance of the principles and aim of this'Oode.
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THIRTY-FOURTH WORLD HEALTH ASSEMBLY
WHA34.23 21 May 1981
NUTRITIONAL VALUE AND SAFETY OF PRODUCTS SPECIFICALLY INTENDED FOR INFANT AND YOlTRe CHILD FEEDING
the Thirty-fourth World Health Assembly, RECALLING resolutions WHA27.43, WHA28.42, WHA3l.55 and in pa~ticular wHA33.32 concerning infant and young child feeding; STRESSING the urgent need to make the best use of scientific knowledge and available technologies to manufacture and .make avail,able, for tho.se infants and young children.who need such products, suitable food products of the highest possible quality; AWARE that storage conditions afff!ct the degree to which the nutritional value and safety of products specifically intended for infant and young child feeding is preserved; NOTING the unavailability at the present time of requisite information concerning the effects of storage and distribution that occur over a period of time and under different climatic conditions upon the nutritional value and safety of suchproductsj
RECOGNIZING the essential need for Member States to possess such information so as to enable them to take suitable measures to protect the nutritional value of such products; 1. REQUESTS the Director-General to initiate studies to assess the changes that occur over a period of time under various climatic conditions, particularly in arid and tropical regions, and under the pr.evailing storage and distribution arrangements, in the quality, nutritional value and safety of products specifically intended for infant and young child feeding;
~.
2. URGES Member -States, UNICEF and FAO. as well as all the other international, governmental and nongovernmental organizations c~ncccned to cooperate actively with WHO for the successful carrying out of these studies and; 3. INVITES. Member Stales to make voluntary contributions to enable the speedy launching of the studies. 4. REQUES7S thl Director-General to sllbmit a report on the results of his efforts to the Thirty-sixtl WeI" ld Health Asselllb1.f.
F'i[teenth Plenary Meeting, 21 May 1981 A34/VR/15
THIRTY-FOURTH WORLD HEALTH ASSEMBLY
WHA34.25 22 May 1981
tlTEllNATtONALDllINKING WATG SUPPLY ~. SANItATION DECADE The Thirty-fourth World Health Assembly.
Having considered the report l of the Director-General relating to the International Drinking Water. Supply and Sanitation Decade (1981-1990); Stressing that the provision of safe drinking water and s.u.itation services ·is one of the essential elements of primary health care, and one of the essential global targets for Heal th for All; Noting with concern that progress made in the 1970s in improving drinking water and sanitation services was slower than expected; Considering that wide acceptance by Member States of the International Drinking Water Supply and Sanitation Decade offers anew incentive to provide people with these essential services; and that maximum· use should be made of all opporthnities afforded. by the Decade to promote the attainment of Health for All; Recognizing the need to monitor specific measurable indicators of the impact on health of improved water supplies and sapitation developed during the ]}ecade, so as to help mobilize
the substantial necessary resources, foster community participation and further encourage international support for that programme; , Aware that the Decade presents an opportunity to eliminate dracunculiasis (Guinea worm disease) as a public health problem in affected areas, where the prevalence of the disease could serve as a.uniquely visible and measurable indicator of progress for the Decade; Restating the principles 2 endorsed by the Thirty-third World Health Assembly that Decade efforts will contribute to Health for All through: - complementarity of sanitation with water supply developmen.t; - focus on both rural and urban underserved populations in policies and programmes; - achievement of full coverage through replicable, self-reliant and self-sustaining programmes; - use of socially relevant systems applying an appropriate technology; - association of the community with all stages of programmes and projects; - close relation of water supply and sanitation pro&rammes with those in other sectors; - association of water supply.and sanitation with other health p~o~rammes;
1 Doctlment A34t4. /
2 Document A33/lS.
WHA34.25 page 2
1. 2.
MOTES with appreciation the report of the Director-General; RECOMMENDS to its Member States: (1) to accelerate substantially the pace of their programmes for drinking water supply and sanitation through the adoption of relevant policies and their implementation through plans aimed at covering the total population; (2) to strengthen or establish suitable mechanisms. such as National Action C01IIIIIittees. to facilitate policy formulation, the elaboration of national Decade plans. the strengthening of relevant programmes of all involved national agenci•• and th.ir active participation at all levels • and the best use of available external resources, recogni2:ing the UNDP resident representatives as focal points for international acUon at the country level; (3) to focus programmes on their national priority health problems .~ mouttor ~8ulting impact on health, giving particular attention to the redUction of diarrhoeal diseases and in specifically affected countries, to other preventable water- or sanitation-related infections such as schistosomiasis, dracunculiasis, etc.; (4) to incorporate activities for the improvement of drinking water supply and saRitation services into their national prograaDes for Primary Health Care, particularly in respect of people's education and involvement, training of community Wor~rs. and strengthening the support capacity at all levels of referral; and (5) to strengthen the ability of national health agencies to take an active role in planning and implementing programmes for the Decade.
3.
FUR'l'HER RECOMMENDS TO MEMBER STATES (1) to promote the International Drinking Water Supply and Sanitation Decade .io international intergovernmental organizations in such a way as to make coordination more. effective at the country level; (2) to propos~ relevant water supply and sanitation programmes and projects for external support in a manner consistent with the principles set forth above;
4. INVITES THE MULTILATERAL AND BILATERAL AGENCIES CONCERNED to support qational plans by giving priority to programmes and projects consistent with the above principles; 5. REQU~STS
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the Director-General:
(1) to further develop and implement WHO's strategy of support of the Decade in conformity with resolutions WHA29.47, WHA30.33, WHA31.40 and WHA32.11 as well as decision 17 of the Thirty-third World Health Assembly; (2) to ensure the effective fulfilment by WHO of its central technical role With respect to the International Decade, including support to the coordinatinc'aechanisms of the United Nations system and continued collaboration with member countries to specify achievable health-related targets for the Decade: (3) to cooperate with Member States, the other agencies in the United Nation~ system and with the multilateral and bilateral agencies concerned in exchanging information and facilitating support to relevant projects and programmes for which external resources are sought: (4) to cooperate with Member States in assessing experience accruing from the implementation of national programmes and particularly information pertaining to i~ct of these programmes on the health of communities; and to disseminate this information widely among Member States, the other agencies of the United Nations system and multilateral and bilateral agenCies;
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: WHA34. 25 ' page 3
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(5)
to report on these matters periodically to future Health Assemblies
b.c~de.
J~~ing th~
·:::,;i·
SbteenthPlen.tyMe.ttn~. , A34/VR/16
22'May 1981,
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THIRTY-FOURTH WORLD HEALTH ASSEMBLY
WHA34.26 22 May 1981
PROMOTION OF PREVENTION OF ADVERSE HEALl1l EFFECTS OF DISASTERS AND EMERGENCIES THROUGH PREPAREDNESS The Thirty-fourth World Health Assembly, Recalling resolutions EB51.R43, EBSS .R62 and WHA28.48 on the role of .the World Health Organization in emergencies and disasters; Noting that a great number of Member States. in particular developing countries in view of their socioeconomic situation, are vulnerable to the effects of disasters; Recognizing that :1udden calamities and disasters adversely affect a country' s health services and impede its development; Stressing that, despite the undoubted importance of relief in emergencies, preventive measures and preparedness are of fundamental importance; Reaffirming that the Organization should assume a leadership role in disaster preparedness; 1. COMMENDS the Director-Gepera1 for his valuable efforts in providing and coordinating emergency relief for disaster-stricken countries; 2. URGES Member States to strengthen the Organization's role in all health aspects of disasters and to increase their direct cooperation with countries at risk; :3. REQUESTS the Director-General, while continuing the Organization s useful emergency action, to strengthen its capacity and increase its resources, whether from budgetary or extrabudgetary sources, to promote the development of approaches to the prevention of adverse health effects of disasters, when possible, and the preparedness of Member States to deal with disasters, to participate in the coordination of aid and to report on the matter to future Health Assemblies. I
Sixteenth Plenary Meeting, 22 May 1981 A34/vR/16
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THIRTY-FOURTH WORLD HEALTH ASSEMBLY
WHA34.28 22 May 1981
PERIODICITY AND DURATION OF HEALTH ASSEMBLIES Periodicity of Health Assemblies The Thirty-fourth World Health. Assembly , Recalling the resolution WHAl2.38 which affirms that "notwithstanding any savings that might accrue, it would not be opportune, at a time when the Organization is expanding and its activities developing, to reduce the number of occasions upon which the World Health Assembly would have the opportunity to direct and control such expansion and activities"; Having in mind the need to preserve and strengthen the democratic participation of all Nt'mbl'r States in the work of the Organization; Having considered the views expressed by the Regional Committees, the discussions in the· sixty-seventh session of the Executive Board and the Director-General's report on the periodicity and duration of Health Assemblies;l Recognizing that the implementation of the plan of action consequent upon the study of the structure of the Organization in the light of its functions is still incomplete; Keeping in mind, at all tUnes, the collective commitment of all countries to achieve the goal of Health for All by the Year 2000 and the consequ~ntial necessity of further strengthening the role of the Assembly as the highest forum of the Organization; ~
Taking into account the positive experience of. the long-time practice of annual Assemblies and realizing that any change in the current system and change over from annual to biennial Assemblies without accompanying consequential arrangements as regards the composition and ttw size of the Executive Board and in the role and function of all bodies of the Organization shall have adverse implications for the attainment of regional and global commitments besides reflecting upon effective fulfilment of the constitutional functions of the Assembly; 1. CONSIDERS that a change in the periodicity of World Health Assemblies should only take piace in connexion with other structural reforms, such as changes in the composition and size pf the Executive Board and in the role and function of all bodies of the Organization;
2.
RESOLVES to retain the practice of annual Assemblies for the time being.
Sixteenth Plenary Meeting, 22 May 1981 A34/VR/l 6
1 Documcn t ERG 7/l981/REC/l. Annex 13.
THIRTY-FOURTH WORLD HEALTH ASSEMBLY
WHA34.30 22 May 1981
COLLABORATION WITH THE UNITED NATIONS SYSTEM - INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF DISABLED PERSONS; 1981: WHO'S COOPERATIVE ACTIVITIES WITHIN THE UNITED NATIONS SYSTEM FOR DISABILITY PREVENTION AND REHABILITATION The Thirty-fourth World Health Assembly. Recalling resolution 31/123 of the United Nations General Assembly proclaiming the year 1981 as "International Year of the Disabled Persons"; Recalling resolution WHA3l.39 requesting the Director-General to contribute extensively to the success of the International Year; Considering that the disabled, rather than being a load on the society and nations, should benefit from the effort of prevention, treatment. readaptation and rehabilitation to enable them to effectively share in the normal activities of society; Noting that in addition to malnutrition. communic'able diseases. poor quality of care, and traffic and work accidents. wars, armed aggressions. torture and the suppression of fundamental human rights constitute a factor in the considerably increasing number of physically, psycho-traumatically and mentally disabled persons; Noting the efforts deployed by the Director-General in favour of the disabled;· 1. CONGRATULATES the Director-General for his report taken; l and on the action already
2.
RECOUt·mNDS that the Member States: (1) continue and increase their efforts to ensure the success of the International Year of the Disabled Persons; (2) build on these efforts and develop permanent progr~es that would benefit the disabled, as an integral part of activities towards the goal of Health For All by the year 2000;
3.
REQUESTS the Director-General: (1) to collaborate with Member States in support of programmes of disability prevention and rehabilitation within the primary health care context, especially in developing countries;
(2) to enhance cooperation with other United Nations agencies, regional intergovernmental organizations and international nongovernmental oriaptzations in the planning and implementation of the above programmes;
1
Document EB67/1981/REC/l, Annex 14.
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WHA34.30 page 2
e (3) to contribute to the evaluat~()n of the above prograumea. partio.tarly in view of their adequacy and effectiveness; (4)
to report periodica11y to the World Health Assembly on the progress of pro~rammes.
the
A34jva/16
Sbteenth plenary
-res....
22
May
1981
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