Statement by
H. E. Dr. Soung-Yee Kim
Minister for Health, Welfare and Family Affairs of the Republic of Korea
at the 61st World Health Assembly
Geneva, Switzerland
20 May 2008
Mr. President, Madam Director General, Distinguished Delegates, and Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is indeed a great pleasure and privilege for me to speak today on behalf of the Government of the Republic of Korea.
Mr. President,
I believe it is highly fitting that the WHO has adopted as this year’s theme “Protecting Health from Climate Change.”
Climate change is not simply an environmental issue. Indeed, as it affects the ecosystem surrounding us, it is an issue which has a direct bearing on the health and even the very survival of humankind.
In the face of this serious challenge, there is a call for the WHO to engage in active discussions on these issues. The WHO Headquarters and Regional Offices must also display leadership in encouraging Member States to establish a sustainable response system to climate change.
Mr. President,
We have reached the midpoint on the path towards the 2015 target for achieving the Millennium
Development Goals (MDGs). The systematic building of healthcare systems in developing countries is one of the key tasks in realizing the health-related Millennium Development Goals.
To this end, there is a need to objectively take stock of what we have achieved and allocate the limited resources most effectively.
Even during the process of rapid economic growth, Korea never neglected efforts to promote health and combat disease. We are now eager to share with developing countries the experience we have gained in building a primary healthcare system.
We look forward to strengthening efforts to pass on the valuable lessons we have learned. We will seek to continue to expand the scale of Official Development Assistance (ODA) to realize shared goals such as the Millennium Development Goals.
Moreover, as part of the efforts to prevent an outbreak of avian or pandemic influenza in East Asia, Korea agreed with China and Japan last year to hold a Ministerial Meeting on a regular basis. The three countries are working together to establish a preparedness and response mechanism against communicable diseases. Also in collaboration with China and Japan, the Korean government is planning to provide
training programs on AI, PI preparedness and response for healthcare workers in Southeast Asian countries.
However, there are still many challenges ahead. The food crisis resulting from the recent increase in grain prices and impact of large-scale natural disasters could pose a serious challenge to our pursuit of the Millennium Development Goals. Accordingly, I believe that it is our obligation to pool our collective wisdom to prevent these risks from undermining the progress toward achieving the Goals.
Mr. President,
All these efforts bear testimony to our commitment to carry on the ardent dedication to enhance the health of humankind of the late Dr. Lee Jong-wook. To honor the memory of Dr. Lee, the Dr. LEE Jong-wook Memorial Prize will be awarded from next year. Building on the legacy of Dr. Lee, Korea promises to play a greater role in the pursuit of the noble goal of enhancing the health of humankind.
I believe that this Health Assembly will prove to be a great success, taking us further forward in our united efforts to promote the health of all people of the world. Thank you for your kind attention.
