John Sarbanes: “since 1948 the nations of the world have celebrated April 7 as World Health Day. Yesterday marked this day, which serves…”

“since 1948 the nations of the world have celebrated April 7 as World Health Day. Yesterday marked this day, which serves two important and related purposes. It focuses world attention on a specific international health issue that in the judgment of the World Health Organization, WHO, poses immediate and urgent problems. Further, it is a platform for marshaling resources to address this issue, through programs that will continue long after the day ends. In years past World Health Day has focused on such crucial matters as the global eradication of polio and emerging infectious diseases. This year's theme is broad: ``Healthy Environments for Children,'' and it has never been more timely. While we have made great progress in the treatment of infant diarrhea, typhoid, typhus, cholera, yellow fever, malaria, dengue fever, and other environment-based diseases, access to treatment is limited or nonexistent in many parts of the world. As a result, every year more than 5 million children--the most vulnerable members of society--die before reaching the age of 14.”