"International Health Security" Statement by H.E. Professor Dr. Kyaw Myint, Minister for Health,  Union of Myanmar, at  the 60^th World Health Assembly, Geneva

(14-23 May 2007)

The theme of the World Health Day 2007 is " International Health Security-Invest in Health, Build a safer future" is indeed appropriate as there is a growing need to reduce the vulnerability of people around the world to new health risks, particularly those that threaten to cross international borders. Collective International Health Security is the first line of defense against health risk that can devastate people, societies and economies worldwide.

Good health is both a resource for achieving socio-economic progress and investment for health is a holistic approach that recognises the interdependence of the economic, social, environmental and health factors for sustainable economic development.  Health is not merely the absence of disease and infirmity but physical, mental and social well-being. 

It is indeed appropriate and timely to involve international leaders and health care experts in a strategic dialogue on global health security issues, especially when infectious diseases such as SARS and Avian Influenza has become a threat in countries of this region and beyond.  Malaria, Tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS and other emerging communicable diseases are prevalent throughout Asia and often cross territorial boundaries and spread to neighbouring countries causing economic deprivation, morbidity and mortality.  It also shows the vulnerability of highly mobile, interconnected and interdependent world we live in.

Communicable Disease and Health Security

Communicable diseases like HIV/AIDS, TB and Malaria cause severe social and economic consequences and imposes considerable strain on health systems.  Benefits of Polio Eradication due to investment in immunization renders millions of children to be protected from polio- a disabling disease.  With expanded immunization programs in countries, polio has been eradicated even in many countries and polio eradication activities have revitalized routine immunization systems.  Surveillance systems developed for polio eradication are now used to monitor other infectious diseases particularly measles and neonatal tetanus.  Thus, investment in polio eradication activities is beneficial for all-round health development activities. 

The virology laboratory network developed for polio eradication is in the frontline for detecting other emerging infectious diseases.  Polio eradication has created a culture of disease prevention, promoting health workers and politicians to understand the benefits of preventing, rather than treating diseases.

Holding Immunization Days have enabled training of health personnel working in the most difficult environments.  In many countries, polio eradication is expanding the capacity to tackle other diseases by building effective disease reporting and surveillance systems, training epidemiologists and establishing a global laboratory network.

Avian Influenza

Avian Influenza is a global public health problem as it is not only threat to individual countries but also to regional and global community.  In resource limited countries AI calls for regional and global initiatives for effective response.  In Myanmar, the National Strategic Plan for Prevention and Control of Avian Influenza and Human Influenza Pandemic Preparedness and Response plan was developed with concerted efforts of relevant ministries and technical support from WHO.  The Ministry of Health is implementing the activities for surveillance, information sharing, prevention and control measures and risk communication activities.

International Health Regulation - 2005

Recognizing the link between the globalization, and the spread of infectious diseases IHR-2005, which seek to "prevent, protect against, control and provide a public health response to the international spread of disease, that are commensurate with and restricted to public health risks, and which avoid unnecessary interference with international traffic and trade" will come into force in June 2007.

Myanmar has developed, strengthen and maintained capacity to detect, report and respond to public health emergencies of international concern and provide routine inspection and health control activities at international airports, sea ports and ground crossings.

Chemical, radioactive and biological terror threats

In the 21^st century, life has become greatly dependent on chemical processing and nuclear power.  Public health security in turn relies on the safety of these facilities and the appropriate use of their products.  The threat of chemical spills, leaks and dumping, nuclear melt-downs, and chemical and bionuclear weaponry invokes the notion of surprise attacks or accidents, and causes fears that may be disproportionate to the real risk.  With IHR-2005 coming into force it will enable member countries to be obligated to detect, report and respond immediately to mitigate trans-border spread and calamities.

Conclusion:

International health security is a multi-faceted issue to be tackled by multiple stakeholders and international bodies.  Individual countries have to be committed to prevent international spread of disease and handle public health emergencies of international concern.  The IHR-2005 contains a number of rights and obligations for member states to follow.

It is my sincere hope that IHR-2005, which gives specific recognition to agreements between neighbouring countries to collaborate among themselves, will be implemented by member states and international health security will be realized in the near future.