Menu
20/05/2003
Milburn calls for WHO audit of disease response
Health Secretary Alan Milburn has called on the World Health Organisation (WHO) to assess the preparedness of nations to deal with new and emerging diseases in the wake of SARS.
Speaking at the World Health Assembly in Geneva, Mr Milburn said it was "vital" to conduct an audit of every country in order to identify and address any gaps in current strategies. This would ensure the world was able to cope with the threat of disease in a proportionate and effective way.
The WHO has recorded a total of 7,864 suspected SARS cases – over 5,000 of which are concentrated in China – with 643 deaths confirmed. The UK has recorded four people as suffering from SARS and all have subsequently made a full recovery. Over 3,800 patients are believed to be in recovery and 28 countries worldwide have been affected.
In order to tackle an illness which has become global in its suffering, Mr Milburn said that only a strengthened global health organisation could coordinate a response.
"The emergence of SARS in developing and developed countries, in the Northern and Southern hemispheres, has confronted all nations with a new public health challenge," he said.
"In the last 30 years we have been faced with the emergence of an average of one new infectious disease a year. As the new threat of bioterrorism signifies, infectious diseases are now a challenge to stability and security as much as to health and prosperity."
"Where infectious disease in one part of the world can become within days, if not hours, a problem for another; each and every nation owes an obligation, one to another."
He said that it was essential that international law was sufficiently robust to ensure that when the WHO demanded action, all states would fulfil their obligations to protect the world community. He also expressed support for the USA's proposal to establish an international surveillance system for new and emerging diseases.
(GMcG)
Speaking at the World Health Assembly in Geneva, Mr Milburn said it was "vital" to conduct an audit of every country in order to identify and address any gaps in current strategies. This would ensure the world was able to cope with the threat of disease in a proportionate and effective way.
The WHO has recorded a total of 7,864 suspected SARS cases – over 5,000 of which are concentrated in China – with 643 deaths confirmed. The UK has recorded four people as suffering from SARS and all have subsequently made a full recovery. Over 3,800 patients are believed to be in recovery and 28 countries worldwide have been affected.
In order to tackle an illness which has become global in its suffering, Mr Milburn said that only a strengthened global health organisation could coordinate a response.
"The emergence of SARS in developing and developed countries, in the Northern and Southern hemispheres, has confronted all nations with a new public health challenge," he said.
"In the last 30 years we have been faced with the emergence of an average of one new infectious disease a year. As the new threat of bioterrorism signifies, infectious diseases are now a challenge to stability and security as much as to health and prosperity."
"Where infectious disease in one part of the world can become within days, if not hours, a problem for another; each and every nation owes an obligation, one to another."
He said that it was essential that international law was sufficiently robust to ensure that when the WHO demanded action, all states would fulfil their obligations to protect the world community. He also expressed support for the USA's proposal to establish an international surveillance system for new and emerging diseases.
(GMcG)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
15 May 2003
UK's first SARS case confirmed
The first case of SARS in the UK has today been confirmed by the Health Protection Agency (HPA). Following lab tests, the patient has been informed of their result, however no further details are available due to confidentiality reasons.
UK's first SARS case confirmed
The first case of SARS in the UK has today been confirmed by the Health Protection Agency (HPA). Following lab tests, the patient has been informed of their result, however no further details are available due to confidentiality reasons.
06 June 2014
Three New Babies Reportedly Poisoned At NHS Hospitals
The number of poisoned babies with the bacillus cereus at NHS hospitals has increased to 18, after three new cases came to light. The latest death happened on the 01 June, according to reports. It is understood that most of the babies have been premature and were being treated in neonatal intensive care units in nine different hospitals.
Three New Babies Reportedly Poisoned At NHS Hospitals
The number of poisoned babies with the bacillus cereus at NHS hospitals has increased to 18, after three new cases came to light. The latest death happened on the 01 June, according to reports. It is understood that most of the babies have been premature and were being treated in neonatal intensive care units in nine different hospitals.
08 February 2005
Review of mental health nurses announced
The Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) has announced plans for a new framework for mental health nursing. CNO Chris Beasley said that the review of mental health nursing would look at a number of issues, including race equality, health promotion, child protection and the development of non-medical prescribing.
Review of mental health nurses announced
The Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) has announced plans for a new framework for mental health nursing. CNO Chris Beasley said that the review of mental health nursing would look at a number of issues, including race equality, health promotion, child protection and the development of non-medical prescribing.
19 April 2005
Labour unveils ‘new ambition’ for NHS
Labour has pledged to create a healthy Britain, as Tony Blair revealed plans to create a “genuine National Health Service”. However, the row between Labour and the Conservatives on the health issue has intensified as Conservative leader Michael Howard accused Labour of ‘lying’ about the Tories' health policy.
Labour unveils ‘new ambition’ for NHS
Labour has pledged to create a healthy Britain, as Tony Blair revealed plans to create a “genuine National Health Service”. However, the row between Labour and the Conservatives on the health issue has intensified as Conservative leader Michael Howard accused Labour of ‘lying’ about the Tories' health policy.
28 May 2014
More People Accept NHS Health Check
More people than ever before are accepting the offer to attend an NHS Health Check according to new figures from Public Health England (PHE). The figures, published today, show that in the last year over 1.
More People Accept NHS Health Check
More people than ever before are accepting the offer to attend an NHS Health Check according to new figures from Public Health England (PHE). The figures, published today, show that in the last year over 1.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
