Abstract

PIP: In a speech on April 7, 1997, World Health Day, UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan stated that the globalization of trade, changes in ecology and climate, and mass movements of people are some factors which contribute to the spread of infectious diseases. As such, Mr. Annan called for international solidarity to combat such diseases. He believes that uncontrolled urbanization in many countries forces people to live in unhygienic and overcrowded conditions. In keeping with the day's theme of emerging infectious diseases, the Secretary-General noted that emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases have become a global public health concern during the 1990s. New diseases such as Ebola and HIV/AIDS have emerged, while old diseases once thought to be under control have re-emerged. Considerable progress has, however, been made in controlling some very deadly diseases through the global efforts of the World Health Organization, international organizations, and nongovernmental organizations.