Commemorative Session

Home , Brock Chisholm

OFFICIAL RECORDS OF THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION No. 86

TENTH ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATIVE SESSION

HELD BY THE

WORLD HEALTH ASSEMBLY

MINNEAPOLIS, 26 - 28 MAY 1958

WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION PALAIS DES NATIONS GENEVA

November 1958 ABBREVIATIONS

The following abbreviations are used in the Official Records of the World Health Organization:

ACC - Administrative Committee on Co- ordination CIOMS - Council for International Organizations of Medical Sciences ECAFE - Economic Commission for Asia and the Far East ECE - Economic Commission for Europe ECLA - Economic Commission for Latin America FAO - Food and Agriculture Organization IAEA - International Atomic Energy Agency ICAO - International Civil Aviation Organization ICITO - Interim Commission of the International Trade Organization ILO - International Labour Organisation (Office) ITU - International Telecommunication Union OIHP - Office International d'Hygiène Publique PASB - Pan American Sanitary Bureau PASO - Pan American Sanitary Organization TAB - Technical Assistance Board TAC - Technical Assistance Committee UNESCO - United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization UNICEF - United Nations Children's Fund UNKRA - United Nations Korean Reconstruction Agency UNRWA - United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees UNTAA - United Nations Technical Assistance Administration WFUNA - World Federation of United Nations Associations WMO - World Meteorological Organization

PRINTED IN SWITZERLAND The Tenth World Health Assembly, in resolution WHA10.42, decided to convene a special session of the Health Assembly to commemorate the tenth anniversary of the World Health Organization.The Tenth Anniversary Commemorative Session was held at Minnea- polis, Minnesota, United States of America, from 26 to 28 May 1958.Dr S. Al -Wahbi (Iraq) was President. Dr Milton S. Eisenhower, personal representative of the President of the United States of America, welcomed the participants and read a message from the President, and an address was given by Mr Francis O. Wilcox, Assistant Secretary of State for Inter- national Organization Affairs. Addresses of welcome were also delivered by Mr Orville L. Freeman, Governor of the State of Minnesota, and Mr P. K. Peterson, Mayor of the City of Minneapolis. The address of the Secretary -General of the United Nations, who was unable to attend, was read by his representative. In the course of the session the heads of many delegations of Member States, as well as Sir John Charles, Chairman of the Executive Board, and Dr Brock Chisholm, first Director -General of the World Health Organization, addressed the Assembly. The list of participants, the agenda and the records of the proceedings are contained in this volume.

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CONTENTS

Page Prefatory Note III

List of Participants 1

Agenda 13

VERBATIM RECORDS OF THE SPECIAL SESSION

FIRST MEETING, Monday, 26 May 1958, at 3 p.m.

Opening of the Special Session 15 Adoption of the Agenda 15 Appointment of the Committee on Credentials 15 First Report of the Committee on Credentials 16 Announcements 17

SECOND MEETING, Monday, 26 May 1958, at 8.30 p.m.

Opening of the Formal Ceremony 18 Address by the Mayor of the City of Minneapolis 19 Address by the Governor of the State of Minnesota 19 Address by the Assistant Secretary of State for International Organization Affairs 21 Address by the Representative of the Secretary -General of the United Nations 23 Address by the President of the Assembly 26

THIRD MEETING, Tuesday, 27 May 1958, at 9.30 a.m. Opening Remarks by the President 30 Addresses by the heads of the following delegations : Thailand 30 Iran 31 United Arab Republic 31 Address by the First Director - General of the World Health Organization. 32 Addresses by the heads of the following delegations : Union of Soviet Socialist Republics 33 France 34 Norway 36 Canada 37 Guatemala 39 China 39 Viet Nam 40 Australia 41 Liberia 42 Cuba 43 Israel 44 -v- Page FOURTH MEETING,Tuesday, 27 May 1958, at 2 p.m. Address by Dr Milton Eisenhower, President of Johns Hopkins University and personal representative of the President of the United States of "' America 45 Address by the Chairman of the Executive Board 49 Addresses by the heads of the following delegations : Portugal 50 Republic of Korea 52 Lebanon 54 Argentina 54 Denmark 56 Iraq 57 Spain 58 Philippines 58 Italy 59 Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan 61 Ethiopia 61 Union of South Africa 63 Cambodia 63 Austria 64 Japan 65 Czechoslovakia 66 Switzerland 67 Yugoslavia 68 Announcements 69

FIFTH MEETING,Wednesday, 28 May 1958, at 9.30 a.m. Second Report of the Committee on Credentials 69 Addresses by the heads of the following delegations : Morocco 70 Sweden 70 Sudan 71 Romania 72 Finland 72 Ghana 73 Tunisia 74 Address by the Director -General 76 Addresses by the heads of the following delegations : Greece 77 India 78 Closure of the Session 81

- VI - LIST OF PARTICIPANTS

DELEGATIONS OF MEMBER STATES

AFGHANISTAN BOLIVIA Delegates : Delegates Dr A. R. HAKIMI, Director -General of Health Dr J. M. ARAMAYO, Minister of Hygiene and Services,Ministryof PublicHealth(Chief Public Health (Chief Delegate) Delegate) Dr J. ALVAREZ - ZAMORA, Director, Medical Divi- Dr M. A. FAQUIRI, Director of Health Services, sion, Inter -American Co- operative Public Health Ministry of Public Health Service

ALBANIA BRAZIL Delegate : Delegates : Mr K. ANDONI, Second Secretary, Permanent Dr H. M. PENIDO, Superintendent, Special Service Mission of Albania to the United Nations of Public Health (Chief Delegate) ARGENTINA Dr H. NOVAES, Chief, Secretariat of the Minister Delegate: of Health Dr M. A. ALLARIA, Technical Adviser for Inter- Adviser : national Health and Social Relations, Ministry Mr O. DE SOUZA -BANDEIRA, Consul of Brazil in of Public Health and Welfare Baltimore

AUSTRALIA BULGARIA Delegates Delegates : Dr A. J. METCALFE, Director -General of Health Professor A. PUKHLEV, President, Scientific Medical (Chief Delegate) Council ; Professor of Internal Medicine, Higher Mr T. PYMAN, Counsellor, Australian Embassy, Institute of Medicine, Sofia (Chief Delegate) Washington, D.C. Dr K. G. GARGOV, Professor of Health Organi- Dr C. R. WIBURD, Commonwealth Director of zation and History of Medicine, Post -graduate Health for New South Wales Medical Training Institute, Sofia AUSTRIA Mr B. GRINBERG, Second Secretary of Legation, Delegates: Permanent Mission of Bulgaria to the United Professor L. H. BREITENECKER, Director - General Nations of Public Health, Federal Ministry of Social BURMA Affairs (Chief Delegate) Delegates : Mr K. C. F. STROBL, Assistant Director - General Mr THEIN -PE,DeputySecretary,Ministryof of Public Health, Federal Ministry of Social Health (Chief Delegate) Affairs Dr MAUNG -U, Deputy Director of Health Services BELGIUM Delegates: Dr BA NYAN, Chief Health Officer, Shan State Dr J.F. GOOSSENS, Secretary- General, Ministry Government of Health (Chief Delegate) CAMBODIA Dr M. KIVITS, Assistant to the Inspector -General Delegates : of Health, Ministry of Colonies Dr SONN MAM, Director, Psychiatric Hospital, Adviser : Takhmau (Chief Delegate) Dr G. NEUJEAN, Honorary Medical Inspector of Mr PRUOCH -VANN, Assistant Director,Health Laboratories, Belgian Congo Service 2 TENTH ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATIVE SESSION

CANADA COSTA RICA Delegates: Delegate: The Hon. J. W. MONTEITH, Minister of National Dr O.VARGAS- MÉNDEZ,1Director - Generalof Health and Welfare (Chief Delegate) Health Dr G. D. W. CAMERON, Deputy Minister of CUBA National Health (Alternate to Chief Delegate) Delegates: Dr G. Brock CHISHOLM, Member of the Canadian Professor F. HURTADO, Ambassador for Inter- Delegation to the International Health Con- national Health Affairs (Chief Delegate) ference, New York, 1946 Dr E. SALADRIGAS, Director -General of Health

Alternates: CZECHOSLOVAKIA Dr A. GROULX, Chief Health Officer for the City Delegates: of Montreal Dr Z. gTICH, Deputy Minister of Health (Chief Dr B. D. B. LAYTON, Principal Medical Officer, Delegate) International Health Section, Department of Dr B. DOUBEK, Chief, Secretariat of the Minister National Health and Welfare of Health Dr P. E. MOORE, Director of Indian and Northern Advisers: Health Services, Department of National Health and Welfare Mr M. VEJVODA,FirstSecretary,Permanent Mission of Czechoslovakia to the United Nations Adviser : Mr J. STRNAD, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mr T.J.GILES, International Health Section, Department of National Health and Welfare DENMARK Delegates: Dr FRANDSEN, CEYLON J. Director -General,National Delegate: Health Service (Chief Delegate) The Hon. Mrs Vimala WIJEWARDENE, Minister Dr O. ANDERSEN, Professor at the University of of Health Copenhagen (Deputy Chief Delegate) Alternate: Mr J. H. ZEUTHEN, Permanent Under -Secretary, Ministry of the Interior Dr D. L. J. KAHAWITA, Director of Health Services Advisers: J. PINDBORG, Associate Professor, Royal CHILE Dr J. Delegates: Dental College, Copenhagen Dr G. VALENZUELA, Director General, National Miss A. WAGNER, Director, School of Nursing Health Service (Chief Delegate) DOMINICAN REPUBLIC Mr O. ALLENDE, Permanent Mission of Chile to Delegate: the United Nations Dr S. INCHÁUSTEGUI, Under - Secretary of State for Health CHINA ECUADOR Delegates: Delegates: Dr Jui Heng Liu, President, Chinese National Dr G. CORDERO CRESPO,Minister of Health Red Cross (Chief Delegate) (Chief Delegate) Dr Ching Wu, Director, National Health Admi- Dr D. A. RAMÍREZ, Director -General of Health nistration, Ministry of Interior Dr Chun Hui YEN, Commissioner, Provincial EL SALVADOR HealthAdministration,TaiwanProvincial Delegates: Government Dr M. E. PONCE, Under -Secretary of State for Health (Chief Delegate) Alternate: Dr A. R. AGUILAR, Director - General of Health Mr Tsun Ling Tsul, Counsellor, Chinese Embassy, Washington, D.C. 1 Vice- President, Commemorative Session LIST OF PARTICIPANTS 3

ETHIOPIA GHANA Delegates : Delegates : Mr Y. TSEGHÉ, Adviser, Ministry of Public Health Dr E. AKWEI, Chief Medical Officer, Ministry of (Chief Delegate) Health (Chief Delegate) Mr T.METEKU, SecondSecretary,Ethiopian Dr J. St G. WARMANN, Principal Medical Officer, Embassy, Washington, D.C. Ministry of Health Mr H. van Hien SEKYI, Third Secretary, Embassy FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY of Ghana, Washington, D.C. Delegates : Dr J. STRALAU, Chief, Health Department, Federal GREECE Ministry of the Interior (Chief Delegate) Delegate : Dr A. HABERNOLL, Ministerial Counsellor, Federal Dr B. VITSAXIS, Counsellor, Permanent Delegation Ministry of the Interior of Greece to the United Nations Dr Maria F. DAELEN, Chief, International Health Adviser : Section, Federal Ministry of the Interior Miss A. MESSOLORA, President, Hellenic National Graduate Nurses, Association Advisers : Professor E. G. NAUCK, Director, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Hamburg GUATEMALA Delegate : Dr T. RIPPLINGER, Director, Public Health Service Dr M. LÓPEZ HERRARTE, Minister of Health and of Saarland Welfare

FEDERATION OF MALAYA Alternate: Delegates : Mr H. OLIVERO, Adviser, Ministry of Health and Dr I. bin Dato Abdul RAHMAN, Ambassador to Welfare the United States of America and Permanent Representative of the Federation of Malaya HAITI to the United Nations (Chief Delegate) Delegates : Dr A. DENIZE, Secretary of State for Public Health Dr M. DIN, Deputy Director of Medical Services (Chief Delegate) Dr C. BouLos, Deputy Director- General, Ministry FINLAND of Health Delegate : Dr P. BONHOMME, Ministry of Health ProfessorN.N. PESONEN, Director -General, State Medical Board Alternate : Mr H. VAVAL, Ministry of Health FRANCE Delegate : Dr E. J. Y. AUJALEU, Director- General of Health HASHEMITE KINGDOM OF JORDAN Delegate : Alternates : Dr A. NABULSI, Director, Central Laboratory; E. BERNARD, Chief,Officeof External Dr L. Chief, International Medicine Section, Ministry Relations, Ministry of Health of Health Mr B. TOUSSAINT, Conseiller des Affaires étran- gères; Chief, Social Affairs Section, Directorate HONDURAS for the United Nations, Ministry of Foreign Delegate : Affairs Dr C. A. JAVIER, Under -Secretary of State for Adviser : Health Médecin- Colonel P. M. BERNARD, Chief, Technical Adviser : Bureau, Health Service, Ministry for Overseas Mr F.J.BLANCO,Ministryof Health and Territories Welfare 4 TENTH ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATIVE SESSION

ICELAND Adviser : Delegate : Mr I. KITTANI, Secretary, Permanent Mission of DrJ. SIGURJÓNSSON, ProfessorofHygiene, Iraq to the United Nations University of Iceland IRELAND INDIA Delegate : Delegates : Mr T. J. BRADY, Assistant Secretary, Department Sir Arcot MUDALIAR, Vice - Chancellor, University of Health of Madras (Chief Delegate) Alternate Mr V. K. B. PILLAI, Secretary to the Government Mr S. G. RONAN, Consul of Ireland in Chicago of India, Ministry of Health

Dr R. WARDEKAR, Secretary, Gandhi Memorial ISRAEL Leprosy Foundation, Wardha Delegates : Alternate : MrI. BARZIL.AY, Ministerof Health(Chief Dr T. R. TEwARI, Deputy Director -General of Delegate) Health Services DrS. BTESH, Director -General,Ministryof Health INDONESIA Dr S. SYMAN, Deputy Director- General, Ministry Delegates : of Health Mr A. SASTROAMIDJOJO, AmbassadorExtra- Alternate ordinary and Plenipotentiary; Permanent Repre- sentative of the Republic of Indonesia to the Mrs T. SHOHAM- SHARON, First Secretary, Per- United Nations (Chief Delegate) manent Mission of Israel to the United Nations

Dr Julie SULIANTI SAROSO, Head, Rural Health ITALY Department;ActingHead, Planning Board, Delegates Ministry of Health of national and Cultural Relations, Office of the IRAN High Commissioner for Hygiene and Public Delegates : Health (Chief Delegate) Dr A. H. RADJI, Minister of Health (Chief Delegate) Dr R. VANNUGLI, International Relations Officer, Dr J.AMOUZEGAR, Under -Secretary of State, Office of the High Commissioner for Hygiene Ministry of Health and Public Health Dr A. DIBA, Director,InternationalHealth Relations Department, Ministry of Health JAPAN Delegates : Adviser : Dr Takehisa OMURA, Director, Division of En- SAROUKHANIAN,Chief,Public Dr G. Health vironmental Sanitation, Ministry of Health and Department, Fars Region Welfare (Chief Delegate) Mr Akira SAITA, Chief Liaison Officer for Inter- IRAQ nationalAffairs,MinistryofHealthand Delegates : Welfare Dr S.AL- WmHBI,1Director,Karkh Hospital (Chief Delegate) Alternate : Dr M. IBRAHIM, Director, International Health Mr Yoshinao ODAKA, Secretary, Economic and Section, Ministry of Health Social Section, United Nations Bureau, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr A. AL HAMAMI, Endemic Diseases Institute Alternate : LAOS Dr A. AL BIR, Director, Medical College Delegate : Mr OurOt SOUVANNAVONG, Ambassador of Laos President, Commemorative Session in Washington, D.C. LIST OF PARTICIPANTS 5

LEBANON NETHERLANDS Delegates : Delegates: DrJ.ANOUTI,Director -General,Ministryof Professor P. MUNTENDAM, Director- General of Health (Chief Delegate) Public Health (Chief Delegate) Dr S. HAYEK, Director of Technical Services, Mr J. LE POOLE, Director for International Health Ministry of Health Affairs, Ministry of Social Affairs and Public Health (Deputy Chief Delegate) Adviser : Mr F. I. CHEHADE, Technical Adviser, Ministry Dr R. LINSCHOTEN, Medical Officer of Health, of Health Curaçao, Netherlands Antilles Advisers: LIBERIA Miss A. F. LUNSINGH -MEIJER, Deputy Permanent Delegates: RepresentativeoftheNetherlandstothe DrJ.N. TOGBA,Director -General,National European Office of the United Nations Public Health Service (Chief Delegate) Dr W. J. ROYAARDS, formerly President, Royal Mrs M. E. YAIDOO, Director, School of Nursing Netherlands Medical Association Dr C. W. PEMBERTON, Vice -Consul of Liberia in Dr J. BIERDRAGER, Director of Public Health in Houston, Tex. Netherlands New Guinea

LUXEMBOURG Delegate: NEW ZEALAND Delegate: Dr E. J. P. DUHR, Inspector of Health Dr H.B.TIRBOTT, Deputy Director - General of Health MEXICO Delegates: Alternate: Dr M. E. PESQUEIRA, Under - Secretary for Health Mr H. P. JEFFERY, First Secretary, New Zealand and Welfare (Chief Delegate) Embassy, Washington, D.C. DrC. DÍAZ -COLLER,Director,Experimental Studies in Public Health, Ministry of Health NICARAGUA and Welfare Delegate: Dr M. A. SÁNCHEZ- VIGIL,Director, National MONACO Institute of Health Delegates: Dr E. BOER', Commissioner for Health (Chief NORWAY Delegate) Delegates : Mr J.C.MARQUET, Conseiller juridiqueau Dr K. EVANG, Director -General of Health Services Cabinet de S.A.S. le Prince de Monaco (Chief Delegate) Alternate: Dr F. MELLBYE, Director, Division of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Directorate of Health Services Mr F.GardnerSTEINER,Consul- Generalof Monaco in Chicago Dr H. H. TJONN, Health Commissioner

MOROCCO PAKISTAN Delegate: Delegates: Dr El -Mehdi BEN -ABUD, Ambassador of Morocco Dr C. H. K. NIAZI, Deputy Director -General of in Washington, D.C. Health (Chief Delegate) Dr A. N. KHAN, Assistant Director -General of NEPAL Health Delegates: Mr G. B. RAJBHANDARY, Deputy Secretary for PANAMA Health (Chief Delegate) Delegate: Dr D. BAIDYA, Assistant Director of Health Dr A. BISSOT,jr,Director - General of Public Services Health, Ministry of Labour, Welfare and Health 6 TENTH ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATIVE SESSION

PARAGUAY ROMANIA Delegate: Delegates : Dr C. A. MALLORQUÍN, Director, Ministry of Dr O. BERLOGEA, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Health and Welfare Health and Welfare (Chief Delegate) Mr M. MAGHERU, Chief, Permanent Mission of PERU Romania to the United Nations Delegate : Dr F. SANCHEZ MORENO, Minister of Health and Dr O. BELEA, President, Romanian Red Cross; Welfare Member of the National Assembly Alternate: Dr J. ESTRELLA Ruiz, Public Health Adviser SAUDI ARABIA Delegates : Dr H. EL TAHER, Chief Inspector, Ministry of PHILIPPINES Health (Chief Delegate) Delegates : Mr S. J. KHANACHET, Press Attaché, Saudi Arabian Dr P. GARCÍA, Secretary of Health (Chief Delegate) Legation, Bonn Dr A. C. REGALA, Medical Adviser, Office of the Secretary of Health SPAIN Delegates : POLAND Delegates : Professor J. GARCÍA ORCOYEN, Director - General Dr B.KOZUSZNIK,Under -Secretaryof State, of Health (Chief Delegate) Ministry of Health (Chief Delegate) Professor G. CLAVERO, Director, National School Professor T. LYCHOWSKI, Adviser for Economic of Health Affairs,Polish Embassy, Washington,D.C. Alternate: (Deputy Chief Delegate) Dr F. PÉREZ GALLARDO, Chief, Virus Section, Dr Halina WIóR, Director, Department of Health National School of Health and Epidemiology, Ministry of Health

Alternates : SUDAN Mr E. KMIECIK, First Secretary, Polish Embassy, Delegates : Washington, D.C. Dr A. O. ABU SHAMMA, Deputy Director, Ministry ProfessorE.IWASZKIEWICZ, Director,Polish of Health (Chief Delegate) Purchasing Mission in Washington, D.C. Dr M. R. FARID, Medical Officer of Health, Khartoum Province PORTUGAL Adviser : Delegates: Mr Amin M. ABDOUN, Third Secretary, Sudan Dr A. DA SILVA TRAVASSOS, Director -General of Embassy, Washington, D.C. Health, Ministry of the Interior (Chief Delegate) Dr G. J. JANZ, Professor of Hygiene, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Lisbon SWEDEN Dr B. A. V. DE PINHO, Senior Inspector of Health Delegates: and Hygiene, Directorate -General of Health, Dr A. ENGEL, Director -General, Royal Medical Ministry of the Interior Board (Chief Delegate) Mr S. AF GEIJERSTAM, Under -Secretary of State, REPUBLIC OF KOREA Ministry of the Interior Delegates : Dr J. O. VON ZWEIGBERGK, Chief, Hospital Divi- Mr Pyo Wook HAN, Minister of the Republic of sion, Royal Medical Board Korea to the United States of America (Chief Delegate) Alternate: Dr Pyung Hak LEE, Chief, Bureau of Preventive Mr G. AF PETERSENS, Consul -General of Sweden in Medicine, Ministry of Health and Social Affairs Minneapolis, Minn. LIST OF PARTICIPANTS 7

SWITZERLAND Dr S. R. KARYNBAEV, Minister of Health, Kazakh Delegates: Soviet Socialist Republic Dr A. SAUTER, Director, Federal Public Health Alternate : Service (Chief Delegate) Dr N. V. Novixov, Deputy Chief,External Mr S. CAMPICHE, First Assistant, Federal Political Relations Department, Ministry of Health Department Dr M. SCHAR, First Assistant, Federal Public Advisers: Health Service Dr V. N. BUTROV, Adviser, Soviet Union Embassy, Washington, D.C. THAILAND Professor F. G. KROTKOV, Central Institute for Delegates : Post -graduate Medical Training Dr K. SUVARNAKICH, Dean, Faculty of Public Mr B. V. GANYUSHKIN, Senior Scientist, Institute Health, University of Medical Sciences (Chief for the Organization of Public Health and Delegate) History of Medicine, Ministry of Health Dr Sombun Phong AKSARA, Deputy Director - Mr Y. N. BATOVRIN, Third Secretary, Ministry General, Department of Health of Foreign Affairs

TUNISIA Delegates: UNITED ARAB REPUBLIC Mr A. BEN SALAH, Secretary of State for Health Delegates: and Social Affairs (Chief Delegate) Dr Nor El -Din TARRAF, Minister of Public Health, Dr M. SLIM, Divisional Medical Inspector, Chief Province of Egypt (Chief Delegate) of Technical Services, Ministry of Health and Dr Dia E. EL- CHATTI, Director of International Social Affairs HealthAffairs,Ministryof PublicHealth, Mr M. LAFIF,Chief,Hospital Administration Province of Syria (Alternate to Chief Delegate) Department, Ministryof Health and Social Dr A. EL- HALAWANI, Assistant Under -Secretary Affairs of State, Ministry of Public Health, Province of Egypt TURKEY Delegates: Dr M. O. SHOTS,Professorof Occupational Health,HighInstituteofPublicHealth, ProfessorI.S. ATASAGUN, Under -Secretary of State, Ministry of Health and Welfare (Chief Alexandria; Director of International Health, Ministry of Public Health, Province of Egypt Delegate) Dr T. ALAN, Director of International Relations, Advisers: Ministry of Health and Welfare Dr A. DEMERDASH, Director -General, Preventive Hygiene Administration,Ministryof Public Health, Province of Egypt; President, Health UNION OF SOUTH AFRICA Delegates: Commission of the National Assembly Dr J. J. Du PRÉ LE Roux, Secretary for Health Dr C. El -Dine EL WAKIL, Lecturer at the Faculty and Chief Health Officer (Chief Delegate) of Law, University of Alexandria Mr J. S. F. BOTHA, Acting Permanent Represen- tative of the Union of South Africa to the United Nations UNITED KINGDOM OF GREAT BRITAIN AND NORTHERN IRELAND Delegates: UNION OF SOVIET SOCIALIST REPUBLICS Sir Kenneth COWAN, Department of Health for Delegates : Scotland (Chief Delegate) Professor V. M. ZHDANOV, Deputy Minister of Dr A. M. Wilson RAE, Chief Medical Officer, Health (Chief Delegate) Colonial Office Professor N. I. GRASHCHENKOV, Chairman, Scien- Mr W. H. BOUCHER, Assistant Secretary, Ministry tific Medical Council, Ministry of Health of Health 8 TENTH ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATIVE SESSION

Advisers: Dr Lowell T. COGGESHALL, Dean, Division of Mr A. E. JOLL, Deputy to Registrar General, Biological Sciences, University of Chicago, Ill. General Register Office Mr Albert W. DENT, President, Dillard University, Mr R. D. J. SCOTT Fox, Permanent Mission of the New Orleans, La. United Kingdom to the United Nations Dr Martha M. ELIOT, Professor, Harvard School Mr P. W. J. BUXTON, Permanent Mission of the of Public Health, Boston, Mass. United Kingdom to the United Nations Mr John W. HANES, jr, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for International Organization Affairs UNITED KINGDOM OF LIBYA Dr Ira V. HISCOCK, Professor of Public Health, Delegates : Yale University, New Haven, Conn. Mr A. R. MASSALATI, Chargé d'Affaires, Libyan Dr H. van Zile HYDE, Chief, Division of Inter- Embassy, Washington, D.C. (Chief Delegate) nationalHealth,Bureau ofStateServices, Dr L. D. KHATRI, Director- General of Health Public Health Service, Department of Health, Education, and Welfare Dr R. BENAMER, Co- Director, Maternal and Child Health Centre, Benghazi Dr Virgil T. JACKSON, sr, New Orleans, La. Dr Frank H. KRUSEN, Professorof Physical UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Medicine andRehabilitation,MayoClinic, Delegates: Rochester, Minn. Mr Marion B. FoLSOM, Secretary of Health, Mrs Oswald B. LORD, United States Representa- Education and Welfare (Chief Delegate) tive to the Human Rights Commission of the United Nations, New York, N.Y. Mr Francis O. WILCOX, Assistant Secretary of State for International Organization Affairs Dr George F. LULL, Assistant to the President, American Medical Association, Chicago,Ill. Dr Charles W. MAYO, Chairman, Mayo Associa- tion, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Dr Edward J. McCoRMICK, St Vincent's Hospital, Toledo, Ohio Alternates: Dr Aims C. MCGUINNESS, Special Assistant for Mr Hubert H. HUMPHREY, United States Senate Health and Medical Affairs,Department of Mr Edward J. THYE, United States Senate Health, Education, and Welfare Mr Walter H. JUDD, House of Representatives Drs Katherine B. OETTINGER, Chief, Children's Bureau, Social Security Administration, Depart- Mr Eugene J. MCCARTHY, House of Representa- ment of Health, Education, and Welfare tives Dr ArthurS.OSBORNE,InternationalHealth Mr Joseph P. O'HARA, House of Representatives Representative,Division of International Mr Roy W. WIER, House of Representatives Health,BureauofStateServices,Public Health Service, Department of Health, Educa- Dr Leroy E. BURNEY, Surgeon General, Public tion, and Welfare Health Service, Department of Health, Edu - cation, and Welfare Dr Thomas PARRAN, Dean, Graduate School of Public Heath, School of Medicine, University Dr David ALLMAN, President, American Medical of Pittsburgh, Penn. Association, Chicago, Ill. Dr James E. PERKINS, Managing Director, National Dr Frank G.BOUDREAU,Director,Milbank Tuberculosis Association, New York, N.Y. Memorial Fund, New York, N.Y. Dr Dean RUSK, President, Rockefeller Foundation, Dr Ulrich BRYNER, Salt Lake City, Utah New York, N.Y. Mr Howard. B. CALDERWOOD, Office of Inter- Dr Jonas E. SALK, Commonwealth Professor of national Economic and Social Affairs, Depart- Experimental Medicine,UniversityofPitts- ment of State burg, Pittsburgh, Penn. LIST OF PARTICIPANTS 9

Dr Leonard A. SCHEELE,President,Warner- Mr PhilipE.NELBACH,ExecutiveSecretary, Chilcott Laboratories, Morris Plains, N.J. National Citizens Committee for the World Health Organization, New York, N.Y. Miss Mary SWITZER, Director, Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, Department of Health, Educa- Mrs Owen B. RHOADS, Paoli, Penn. tion, and Welfare Mr Robert O. WARING, Office of International Dr Herman G. WEISKOTTEN, Dean Emeritus, Administration, Department of State College of Medicine, New York State University, New York, N.Y. Dr Abel WOLMAN, Professor of Sanitary En- gineering, Johns Hopkins School of Public Dr Louis L. WILLIAMS, Washington, D.C. Health and Hygiene, Baltimore, Md.

Advisers: Mr Laurence R. WYATT, Division of International Health, Bureau of State Services, Public Health Col. Donald M. ALDERSON, Office of the Assistant Service, Department of Health, Education and Secretary of Defense Welfare Mr Ray AMBERG, Hospital Administrator, Univer- sity of Minnesota Hospitals, Minneapolis, Minn. VENEZUELA Dr Gaylord ANDERSON,Director,Schoolof Delegates: Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minnea- polis, Minn. Dr D. CURIEL, Chief, Division of Epidemiology and Vital Statistics, Ministry of Health and Dr Guillermo ARBONA,Secretaryof Health, Welfare (Chief Delegate) Puerto Rico Department of Health, San Juan, Puerto Rico Dr A. PRINCIPE, Chief, Department of Epidemio- logy and Statistics, National Tuberculosis Insti- Dr Robert N. BARR, Secretary and Executive tute Officer,MinnesotaDepartmentofHealth, Minneapolis, Minn. Miss Ann BURNS, Chief, Division of Nursing, VIET NAM Ohio Department of Health, Columbus, Ohio Delegates: Dr Eugene P. CAMPBELL, Chief, Public Health Dr TRAN -VY, Secretary of State for Health (Chief Division,InternationalCo- operation Admi- Delegate) nistration Dr LE- VAN -KHAI, Director - General of Health and Dr H. Trendley DEAN, Secretary,Council on Hospitals Dental Research, American Dental Association, Dr TRUONG- BUU- KHANH, Second Secretary, Em- Chicago, Ill. bassy of Viet Nam, Washington, D.C. Dr Harold S. DIEHL, Dean, School of Medical Alternate: Sciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minn. Dr TRAN- VAN -BANG, Chief Physician, Infectious Diseases Hospital, Cholon- Saigon Dr Charles L. DUNHAM, Director, Division of Biology and Radiation, Atomic Energy Com- mission YUGOSLAVIA Dr Herman E. HILLEBOE, Commissioner of Health, Delegates: State Health Department, Albany, N.Y. Dr H. KRAUS, Secretary forHealth,Federal Dr Charles A. JANEWAY, Thomas Morgan Rotch Executive Council (Chief Delegate) Professor of Pediatrics,Harvard School of Dr B. DJORDJEVIÓ, Vice -Rector, University of Medicine, Harvard University, Boston, Mass. Belgrade (Deputy Chief Delegate) Dr Richard K. C. LEE, President, Board of Health, Miss M. RADIá, Adviser, Permanent Mission of Honolulu, Hawaii Yugoslavia to the United Nations 10 TENTH ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATIVE SESSION

REPRESENTATIVES OF ASSOCIATE MEMBERS

FEDERATION OF NIGERIA FEDERATION OF RHODESIA AND NYASALAND Sir Samuel MANUWA, Chief Medical Adviser to the Dr R. M. MORRIS, Secretary for Health Federal Government Dr S.E. ONWU, Director of Medical Services, Eastern Region SIERRA LEONE DrA. ADENIYI -JONES, SeniorHealthOfficer, Dr J. KAREFA- SMART, Minister of Lands, Mines and Western Region Labour Mr A. M. GERRARD, Permanent Secretary, Federal Dr A. F. TUBOKU -METZGER, Physician to Govern- Ministry of Health ment, Connaught Hospital, Freetown

OBSERVERS FOR NON -MEMBER STATES HOLY SEE Rev. Joseph J. QUINLAN, State Hospital, Hastings, Dr Charles REA, St Paul, Minn. Minn.

REPRESENTATIVES OF THE UNITED NATIONS AND ITS AGENCIES

United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization Mr Ph. DE SEYNES, Under -Secretary for Economic Dr W. R. AYKROYD, Director, Nutrition Division and Social Affairs International Civil Aviation Organization United Nations Children's Fund Mr B. J. KWIECINSKI, External Relations Officer Mr M. PATE, Executive Director World Meteorological Organization Mrs D. B. SINCLAIR, Deputy Director Mr P. W. KENWORTHY

United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees International Atomic Energy Agency Dr S. FLACHE, Deputy Chief Medical Officer Mr A. GALAGAN, Director, Liaison Office with the United Nations International Labour Organisation Dr R. A. MÉTALL, Director, Liaison Office in Technical Assistance Board New York Mr L. MICHELMORE, Senior Director

REPRESENTATIVES OF INTERGOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS

International Committee of Military Medicine and Pharmacy League of Arab States Dr E. BOERI Dr A. T. SHOUSHA, Supervisor, Medical Depart- Dr J. F. GOOSSENS ment LIST OF PARTICIPANTS 11

REPRESENTATIVES OF NON -GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS IN OFFICIAL RELATIONS WITH WHO

Council for International Organizations of Medical Sciences International Hospital Federation Professor M. B. VISSCHER, Member of the Execu- Dr E. L. CROSBY, Vice -President tive Committee Mr R. AMBERG Fédération dentaire internationale International Leprosy Association Dr O. H. MOEN, Vice -President Dr R. R. BRADSHAW Dr J. A. DouLL

Fédération internationale de Médecine sportive International Organization against Trachoma Dr L. FAUGERES BISHOP, President, American Professor P. THYGESON College of Sports Medicine

International Society for Blood Transfusion Inter- American Association of Sanitary Engineering Mr E. ORTEGA, General Secretary Brigadier -General Sam F. SEELEY

International Academy of LegalMedicine and of Social International Society for Criminology Medicine Professor G. B. VOLD Dr J. F. GoossENs

International Society for the Welfare of Cripples International Association for Prevention of Blindness Director, Minnesota Dr D. W. ROBERTS Society for the Prevention of Blindness International Union against Cancer International Committee of Catholic Nurses Dr H. STEWART Miss D. KELLY International Union for Child Welfare International Confederation of Midwives Mrs A. L. DUNN Miss M. BAYES, Executive Secretary

International Union for Health Education of the Public International Council of Nurses Miss K. J. DENSFORD (United States of America) Professor G. A. CANAPERIA, Vice- President for Europe Miss A. OHLSON, President Mr H. ENNES, Vice -President for North America Miss L. FELBER (Austria) Miss M. M. WEBB -JOHNSON (United Kingdom of International Union of Local Authorities Great Britain and Northern Ireland) Miss H. COEHOORN (Netherlands) Professor C.C. LUDWIG, Executive Secretary, League of Minnesota Municipalities Mrs. R. P. PERPIÑAN (Philippines) Miss E. A. KAUPPINEN (Finland) Professor H. BoscH Miss L. WILNER (Israel) Miss M. KANO (Japan) International Union against Tuberculosis Dr J. E. PERKINS, Member of the Executive Com- International Fertility Association mittee Professor G. TESAURO Mrs A. L. DUNN 12 TENTH ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATIVE SESSION

International Union against the Venereal Diseases and the World Confederation for Physical Therapy Treponematoses Miss M. ELSON, First Vice -President Professor G. A. CANAPERIA, Secretary - General

Dr E. G. CLARK, Adviser, Regional Office for the World Federation for Mental Health Americas of the Union Dr J. R. REES, Director MrsJ. TULLER,AssistantSecretary -General; Director, Regional Office for the Americas of the Union World Federation of Societies of Anaesthesiologists MrsA. YOSHINAGA -ABÉ, AssistantDirector, Dr M. BOWERING Regional Office for the Americas of the Union World Federation of United Nations Associations League of Red Cross Societies Dr M. IRWIN Dr P. W. YOST, American National Red Cross

Medical Women's International Association World Veterans Federation Dr Ada C. REID Dr H. H. KESSLER AGENDA

Celebration of the Tenth Anniversary of the World Health Organization

(a) Opening of the special session

(b) Adoption of the agenda

(d) Addresses

(e) Closure of the special session

- 13 -

VERBATIM RECORDS OF THE COMMEMORATIVE SESSION

FIRST MEETING

Monday, 26 May 1958, at 3 p.m.

President: Dr S. AL -WAHBI (Iraq)

1. Opening of the Special Session Thirdly, I should like to take note with pleasure of the presence among us of the delegation of Czecho- The PRESIDENT :The anniversary session of the World Health Assembly is hereby called to order. slovakia, following thiscountry's resumption of Honourable delegates, ladies and gentlemen, it active participation in the work of the Organization, gives me great pleasure to welcome you and wish which took place at the beginning of this year. you all success in your endeavours at this session. I am sure that when we again welcome these We shall have the opportunity tonight to give to countries at the opening of the Eleventh World this opening the dignity it deserves, and I suggest Health Assembly the day after tomorrow, many of that we dispose now of the constitutional and pro- you will wish to join me in expressing your feelings cedural matters which are a necessary part of the of satisfaction. work of a session of the World Health Assembly. However, before we pass on to this, I should like 2.Adoption of the Agenda to make some communications of importance to The PRESIDENT :I shall now pass to the consider- the Assembly. ation of our provisional agenda. 1You have all First, by depositing with the Secretary -General of seen it in document A.COM.1. In conformity with the United Nations the instrument of acceptance of Rule 7 of our Rules of Procedure it contains only the Constitution of the World Health Organization, one item, namely : Celebration of the Tenth Anniver- the Federation of Malaya became a Member State sary of the World Health Organization.This item of our organization on 24 April 1958.It is my is divided into five sub -items : opening of the special privilege, as President of the Assembly, to express session; adoption of the agenda; appointment of my most sincere feelings of satisfaction and to the Committee on Credentials and adoption of its extend a very hearty welcome to the delegation of report; addresses; and closure of the special session. this country, whose presence among us confirms the Taking up now sub -item (b),I should like to indispensable universality of our organization. invite the Assembly to adopt the agenda. Are there Secondly, I have also the pleasure of welcoming any comments or remarks on the agenda as it has on behalf of this Assembly the representatives of the been circulated in the document before the meeting ? United Arab Republic; and I should like to take If there are none, I take it that the Assembly adopts this occasion to draw the attention of delegations the agenda unanimously. to the notes exchanged on 21 and 25 March 1958 between the Permanent Mission of the United Arab Republic to the European Office of the United 3.Appointment of the Committee on Credentials Nations in Geneva and the Director -General.The The PRESIDENT : We now pass to the next sub - text of these notes has already been communicated item, appointment of the Committee on Credentials. toall Members and Associate Members of the The relevant rule of procedure is Rule 22, which Organization, but in order that all delegations may reads as follows : have the text, copies have been made available to all those attending the Assembly. 1 See page 13. - 15 - 16 TENTH ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATIVE SESSION

A Committee on Credentialsconsistingof Mr ZEUTHEN (Denmark), Rapporteur of the Com- twelve delegates of as many Members shall be mittee on Credentials : The Committee on Credentials appointed at the beginning of each session by the met on 26 May 1958. Health Assembly on the proposal of the President. Delegates of the following Members were present : This committee shall elect its own officers.It shall Burma, Cuba, Denmark, the Federal Republic of examine the credentials of delegates of Members Germany, Laos, Liberia, Libya, Luxembourg, New and of the representatives of Associate Members Zealand, Peru, Tunisia and Venezuela. and report to the Health Assembly thereon without DrF.Sánchez Moreno(Peru)waselected delay.Any delegate or representative to whose Chairman and Mr J. H. Zeuthen (Denmark) Rap - admission a Member has made objection shall porteur. be seated provisionally with the same rights as The Committee examined the credentials deposited other delegates or representatives, until the Com- by the delegations taking part in the Health Assembly. mittee on Credentials has reported and the Health Assembly has given its decision. 1. The credentials presented by the delegations and representatives listed below were found to be in In pursuance therefore of the powers conferred order, thus entitling these delegations and represen- upon me by this rule, I propose to the Assembly the tatives to take part in the work of the Health following list of twelve Member States :Burma, Assembly, as defined by the Constitution of the Cuba, Denmark, Federal Republic of Germany, World Health Organization. The Committee there- Laos, Liberia, Libya, Luxembourg, New Zealand, fore proposes that the Health Assembly should Peru, Tunisia and Venezuela. recognize the validity of the credentials presented Are there any comments onthissuggestion by the following delegations : Afghanistan, Argen- from the Chair ?Is the Assembly prepared to tina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Burma, appointthiscommitteeasnominated by your Cambodia, Canada, Ceylon, Chile, China, Cuba, President ?I see no objections. Then I take it that Czechoslovakia,Denmark, Dominican Republic, the Committee is appointed by the Assembly. Ecuador, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Finland, France, Before suspending the meeting so that the Com- Federal Republic of Germany, Greece, Guatemala, mittee on Credentials just appointed by you can Haiti, Iceland, India, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Italy, Japan, Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan,Korea,Laos, meet, I should like to recall that this committee's Lebanon,Liberia,United Kingdom ofLibya, mandate willbe to examine the credentialsof Luxembourg, Mexico, Monaco, Morocco, Nepal, delegatesof Member States and representatives Netherlands, New Zealand,Norway,Pakistan, of Associate Members to the Tenth Anniversary Panama, Peru, Republic of the Philippines, Poland, Commemorative Session.It will be the mandate of Portugal, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Sudan, another Committee on Credentials, appointed by Switzerland,Thailand, Tunisia, Union of South the Eleventh Health Assembly, to examine the Africa, Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, United credentialsof delegatestothe Eleventh World Arab Republic, United States of America, Venezuela, Health Assembly. Viet Nam, Yugoslavia. Our Committee on Credentials will meet imme- The Committee also proposes that the Health diately in Room 222.I think we will give the Com- Assembly should recognize the validity of the cre- mittee an hour and a half from now to do its work dentials presented by the following representatives and report back to the Assembly.Therefore I of Associate Members :Federationof Nigeria, suspend this meeting for one hour and thirty minutes. Federationof Rhodesia and Nyasaland,Sierra The meeting was suspended at 3.25 p.m. and resumed Leone. at 5.15 p.m. 2. Notifications from Albania, Ghana, Honduras, Indonesia, Ireland, Malaya,Nicaragua,Sweden, 4.First Report of the Committee on Credentials Turkey and the United Kingdom of Great Britain The PRESIDENT :The Committee on Credentials and Northern Ireland giving the composition of their has just met under the chairmanship of Dr Sánchez delegations state that credentials are being forwarded, Moreno, Chief Delegate of Peru, to whom I should and the Committee therefore recommends to the like to convey my thanks.I invite Mr Zeuthen of Health Assembly that these delegations be recognized Denmark, the Rapporteur of the Committee, to with full rights in the Health Assembly pending the come to the rostrum and read us his report. arrival of their credentials. FIRST MEETING 17

The PRESIDENT : Thank you, Mr Zeuthen.We I have tried to summarize as concisely as possible have heard the report of the Committee on Creden- the procedural context in which our commemorative tials.Is there any comment ? Any observations ? Is session is going to be held -a context which, of the Assembly ready to accept the report ? I hear no course, our Assembly can accept or amend at its objections, so I take it that the report is accepted discretion. by the Assembly. The thirty -seven countries having expressed before 1 January 1958 their intention to be on the list of 5.Announcements speakers are now thirty -six, since one of them with- drew a few weeks ago. They are as follows, in the The PRESIDENT : Before we adjourn, to meet again order in which I suggest they be given the floor tonight at 8.30 and hold our formal ceremony, I starting tomorrow morning (this order takes into should like to review very briefly the programme of account the chronological order of the replies) : work of this Tenth Anniversary Commemorative Thailand, Iran, United Arab Republic, Union of Session. As you all know, the basic resolution in this Soviet Socialist Republics, France, Norway, Tunisia, respect is resolution WHA10.42, adopted last May Canada, Guatemala, Viet Nam, Australia, Liberia, by the Tenth World Health Assembly.In the first Cuba, Israel, Portugal, Korea, Argentina, Denmark, place, the Assembly decided that this special session should be of not more than the equivalent of two Iraq, Spain, Philippines, Italy, Ethiopia, Union of South Africa, Cambodia, Austria, Japan, Czecho- days' duration.This will be complied with if the slovakia, Switzerland, Yugoslavia, Sweden, Sudan, session closes, as it is planned, the day after tomorrow (Wednesday, 28 May), at the end of the morning. Finland, Ghana, Greece, and India. We shall also hear, as I told you, the Chairman of our Executive In the second place, the Tenth Assembly concurred Board, our former Director - General, and our Direc- in the general plans of the Director - General for the tor- General. celebration of our anniversary, which provide, apart In addition to the list I have just read, five other from our present meeting, for a formal ceremony countries asked me today if they might speak at the tonight at 8.30 and three other meetings -on Tuesday commemorative session : China, Lebanon, Hashemite in the morning and in the afternoon, and on Wed- Kingdom of Jordan, Morocco and Romania.It is nesday morning- during which the delegates of those left to the House to decide if these names should be Member States which expressed the wish to be on added to the list. Are there any objections to adding the list of speakers will have an opportunity to these five names to the list I have just read ? If there deliver their addresses, in addition to the Chairman are none -and I hear no objections -then I take of the Executive Board, our former Director -General it that the Assembly agrees to add these five names and our Director- General. to the list. Thirdly, the Tenth Assembly requested the Director - Now I suggest that, with the addition of these five General to invite Member States to express their countries -and I saw from the House that there were intention if they wished to be on the list of speakers no objections -the list of speakers should be declared at our commemorative session, which list was to be closed.Are there any objections to closing the list closed by 1 January 1958.It also requested the of speakers ? No remarks, no objections ? Then I Director -Generaltoconsultwiththeregional declare the list, with the addition of those five coun- committees. As a result of these instructions, tries, closed. thirty -six countries indicated as of 1 January 1958 Before adjourning, I should like to read to you a their wish to be on the list of speakers. A thirty - message received from the League of Red Cross seventh country indicated in due time that, should Societies : it resume after 1 January 1958 its active participation ON BEHALF OF THE LEAGUE OF RED CROSS SOCIETIES, in the work of the World Health Organization, it WHICH HAD THE PRIVILEGE TO BE THE FIRST NON- would wish to be on the list of speakers.Since this GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATION ADMITTED INTO OFFI- was the case, I assume that there can be no difficulty CIAL RELATIONS WITH THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANI- in this regard. ZATION, AND HAS ENJOYED CLOSE CO- OPERATION SINCE On the basis of this situation, the Director - General 1948, MAY I CONVEY OUR CONGRATULATIONS ON THE and your President came to the conclusion, as we OCCASION OF THE TENTH ANNIVERSARY AND WISH THE were authorized to do by the same resolution of the WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION EVER -INCREASING SUC- Tenth World Health Assembly, that the orderly CESS IN THE FUTURE. DUNNING. dispatch of the proceedings at the special session A message has also been received from Dr Kara - called for a limitation of speeches to ten minutes. buda, who for so many years in the past has repre- 18 TENTH ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATIVE SESSION sented Turkey at our Assembly.I have asked from coming to join us. He has asked Mr Philippe Dr Candau, theDirector -General,toreadthe de Seynes, the Under -Secretary for Economic and message. Social Affairs, to be present here in his place as his personal representative, and to deliver the address The DIRECTOR - GENERAL (translation fromthe French) : The message is as follows : which he had prepared to deliver himself.In his telegram, Mr Hammarskjöld emphasized the fact HONOURABLE PRESIDENT WORLD HEALTH ASSEMBLY that it is only owing to last -minute developments DEEPLY REGRET UNABLE TO PARTICIPATE IN HAPPY that he himself will not represent the United Nations OCCASION COMMEMORATIVE SESSION OF WHO AT WHOSE and the specialized agencies at our commemorative BIRTH I WAS PRESENT.PLEASE TRANSMIT TO AUGUST session. ASSEMBLY AND TO DIRECTOR - GENERAL AND COLLABO- Tomorrow morning at 9.30 there will be a plenary RATORS MY CONGRATULATIONS ON WORK ACCOMPLIS- meeting, which will have to close rather early since HED AND SINCERE GOOD WISHES OF THIS OLD AND the plenary meeting in the afternoon will start at FAITHFUL SERVANT OF WHO FOR FUTURE SUCCESS. 2 o'clock, at which time Dr Milton Eisenhower, KARABUDA, ANKARA. President of Johns Hopkins University, will address The PRESIDENT : Thank you, Dr Candau. the Assembly as personal representative of the I have also received the greetings of the whole President of the United States of America. The staff of the Organization, no matter where they are morning meeting will therefore close at about 11.45. stationed, and at their request I have pleasure in It appears then that the delegates of the first twelve transmitting those greetings to you today. I am sure countries on the list read out a few minutes ago will you would like me to send our thanks to the senders have an opportunity to deliver their addresses, as of these cables. will also Dr Brock Chisholm, the former Director- As was announced in the Journal, the formal General of the World Health Organization. ceremony will open at 8.30 tonight in this hall. I should like to repeat that the meeting tomorrow As you all know, the Secretary - General of the United morning will be at 9.30, and with that we have Nations had kindly accepted to honour this meeting concluded our work for today. I declare this meeting with his presence.Unfortunately, Mr Hammarsk- adjourned until 8.30 this evening. jöld has just informed me that he deeply regrets that his other duties prevent him at the last moment The meeting rose at 5.40 p.m.

SECOND MEETING Monday, 26 May 1958, at 8.30 p.m. President: Dr S. AL -WAHBI (Iraq)

1.Opening of the Formal Ceremony sota, and to the Honourable P. K. Peterson, Mayor The PRESIDENT : The meeting is called to order. of the City of Minneapolis. In opening this formal ceremony of our Tenth I wish that I could have been able to welcome also Mr Dag Hammarskjöld, the Secretary - General of Anniversary Commemorative Session, it is my pri- the United Nations, who had very kindly accepted vilege and my pleasant duty on behalf of the Assembly to honour this meeting with his presence, but who to welcome the high representatives of the country, at the last moment finds that because of the recent the state and the city whose generosity has made it developments in world events it is impossible for possible for us to celebrate here the tenth anniversary him to join us. However, I am very happy to welcome of our world -wide organization. Iconvey the here his personal representative, Mr Philippe de greetings of the Assembly to the Honourable Francis Seynes, United Nations Under -Secretary for Economic O. Wilcox, Assistant Secretary of State for Interna- and Social Affairs, and on behalf of the Assembly I tionalOrganizationAffairs,tothe Honourable wish to convey to our distinguished guest our feelings Orville L. Freeman, Governor of the State of Minne- of appreciation at his presence. SECOND MEETING 19

It is most gratifying to see among us several of nal health, and what we are gathered here for tonight the past presidents of the World Health Assembly, and throughout the next three weeks- international and I am sure that all of us are happy to have them health.People everywhere, I am confident, yearn with us tonight to celebrate this important event in for that with which so many of us have been blessed the life of our organization. I should like, therefore, from our very earliest years.Certainly every parent to convey the special greetings of the Assembly to of every child throughout the world wants for his Dr Evang, President of the Second World Health children what is known in many other parts of the Assembly, to Dr Scheele, President of the Fourth world. Certainly there can be no real security of any Assembly, and to Dr Togba, President of the Seventh kind- military, economic or otherwise -unless it can Assembly.Other past presidents are not with us be said that people in every country throughout the tonight :Dr gtampar, Dr Salcedo, Dr Khater, world are healthy. Dr Morenes Prieto and Professor Parisot. They are present in our thoughts on this occasion of That is why we in the City of Minneapolis are rejoicing, and I am pleased to be able to read to you particularly happy to have each of you in our great a message received from another of our past presi- city for this World Health Assembly. You have done dents, the Rajkumari Amrit Kaur : us great honour in coming. We are deeply conscious I send these few lines of greeting and good of it.I think I can say that for each of the 552 000 people who inhabit this great city.Out here in the wishes to WHO on the auspicious occasion of its tenth anniversary. For me personally it was both great Mid -West, we sometimes feel that we are not a pleasure and a privilege to be associated with as much a part of the world as we would like to feel; the work of this great organization during my long but your coming has done more than anything I can tenure of office as Minister of Health for India. recall to give us that status of an international city. I learned a great deal from this association, and That is why I am sure that all the people of this city can bear constant testimony to the benefits that would want me to say to you : You are most sincerely my country has received from WHO in our health welcome. We want you to feel entirely at home.I programme.I have always felt that medical aid trust you will understand if I say that one of the and relief cut across the man -made barriers of race great characteristics and qualities of our people in and creed better than anything else and I wish this city is that they are friendly.They like people WHO many more years of useful service to huma- from outside our city limits.This characterizes, I nity.With warm remembrances to you and all know, the people of the entire great Mid -West of the friends assembled there who remember me, this country. We are glad you are here because you will have an opportunity to see that America is made Amrit Kaur. up of many facets, and the Mid -West is one of its It is also my privilege to greet here Dr Brock great and strong areas. Chisholm, our first Director -General, whose presence As you convene in this Tenth Commemorative to -night is most fitting in view of the major role he Session and Eleventh World Assembly, we wish for played as Executive Secretary of the Interim Com- you successful, useful and happy deliberations; and mission and as Director -General during the first five that you will point to this conference, this Assembly, years of the Organization's existence. and say that here great decisions were made, not for yourselves alone but for people everywhere, in 2.Address by the Mayor of the City of Minneapolis order that this world might know the blessing of good health and good living.Therefore, I extend The PRESIDENT : At this juncture, may I ask the once more a hearty, sincere, and cordial greeting and Honourable P. K. Peterson, Mayor of the City of a deep, warm welcome. Minneapolis, to address this Assembly. Mr Peterson, you have the floor. The PRESIDENT : Thank you very much, Mr Peter- son. The Hon. P. K. PETERSON, Mayor of the City of Minneapolis : Mr President, Director -General Lan- 3.Address by the Governor of the State of Minnesota dau, Mr de Seynes, Mr Wilcox, Governor Freeman, distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen, one The PRESIDENT : The Honourable Orville L. Free- thing we have in common among many other things man, Governor of the State of Minnesota, will is health : personal health, community health, natio- address the Assembly. 20 TENTH ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATIVE SESSION

The Hon. Orville L. FREEMAN, Governor of the for thebenefit,rather than the destruction, of State of Minnesota : Mr President, Director - General, mankind. And because we realizethecritical Mr de Seynes, Mayor Peterson, Mr Wilcox, Sir urgency of progress in human relations if these John Charles, delegates, ladies and gentlemen, it is new powers are to be used constructively, we gain a very real privilege for me, on behalf of all the courage and inspiration from the progress we do people of the State of Minnesota, to Welcome you find, as represented by the organization that meets here to this memorable meeting of the World Health here tonight. Organization now about to open its eleventh annual May Itherefore try to express, in just a few session, the first to be held in the United States of minutes of greeting, the high hopes we hold, in our America. hearts and minds, for the great principle represented We in Minnesota are grateful to you for coming by the World Health Organization and by the here for many reasons. Too often, we believe, leaders United Nations of which it is a part. from other nations are forced by busy schedules to The United Nations and its specialized agency, the restrict their visits to America to our great sea -coast World Health Organization, constitute a great inter- cities.And sometimes as a result we in the Mid - national effort to achieve a common goal that is West feel that they get only a partial picture and a shared by all men and women and all peoples every- somewhat superficial impression of our country. So, where.In ten short years -years of crisis and of with all due respect to Washington and New York fear -the World Health Organization has demons- and Los Angeles and San Francisco, we submit to trated itssuccess in mobilizing international co- you that we are pleased and honoured to have you operation by eighty -eight nations to wage an all -out come here and take a very close look at this great war to combat specific scourges that plague mankind. heartland of the North American continent.We It has launched a great united drive to conquer the think that you will find here a truer picture of our physical ills that threaten our lives and our happiness country than you could possibly get by going to any everywhere throughout the world. of the coastal areas alone; and that here you will In the meetings that follow this opening night, we find a solid, dependable people and institutions shall hear inspiring accounts of success thus far deeply devoted to the great values of freedom and achieved. We shall be stirred by even greater hopes equality. We hope you will come to know us as your for the potential accomplishments of the future. We friends, and you can be sure we welcome each and shall be thrilled to the realization that the sciences every one of you here in a spirit of sincere friendship. of medicine and health have progressed so far that Also, we in Minnesota think it timely that the we can hope to see substantial success in combating World Health Organization should observe its tenth all the physical ills of mankind. anniversary with us in the year in which we are But the most hopeful thing about this whole observing our hundredth anniversary, our statehood subject is its broader implication. The World Health if you will.I assure you that this occasion to us is Organization has defined health as much more than more than just a joint birthday party, for it gives us the curing of disease.It is dedicated to the idea of in Minnesota an opportunity to see right here in our health as " a state of complete physical, mental and midst an illustration of the kind of progress we hope social well -being and not merely the absence of for in our second century. On the one hand we look disease or infirmity ".It is this positive emphasis that back on the progress of the past and realize that the offers us our greatest hope and inspiration. For when great conquests that have been won are on the the people and the governments of eighty -eight frontiers of the mastery of the physical forces of nations can co- operate to achieve this " state of nature.In terms of material progress, we have complete physical, mental and social well -being " we learned so much that we can now foresee the physical foresee the conquest of malnutrition and of poverty possibility of providing food, clothing, and shelter as well as of physical suffering and disease. We have enough to meet the needs of men, women, and real reason to hope that we may find a way to prevent children everywhere on earth. not only death by disease but death by war. But because we have not made equal progress in The World Health Organization estimates show the field of human relations, we do not today have that two hundred million people in the world today that same confidence in our ability to make sure that suffer from malaria, and you have undertaken an our victories over these physical forces will be used all-out campaign to end this scourge. But well over SECOND MEETING 21 two thousand million people in the world today working towards the great goal of "complete physical, suffer from the fear of war and the fear of insecurity. mental and social well -being ".For this goal, in its We can never achieve that state of complete mental broadest sense, is an integral part of the ideal of and social well -being until these fears too are ended. world peace and progress towards which all humanity The meetings that are opening here tonight give us looks with hope and prayer. great reason to hope that we can achieve the conquest If the world's great leaders in the field of physical of these fears.Assembled here, from eighty -eight science can work together, as you do here, to alleviate nations from all over the world, are people dedicated the physical ills of men, women and children every- tothe principle of working together towards a where, then we must gain from that co- operation common goal.Our feature speaker here tonight, the inspiration and courage to work together in a Mr de Seynes, Under- Secretary of the United Nations, like spirit of co- operation in the field of human represents the organization that is man's greatest relations.And as we succeed in our conquest of organized attempt to bring about international co- this frontier, we shall approach a future that offers operation towards peace and progress. more promise than any that has seemed possible We in the State of Minnesota have always held at any time in the past, in a world of health and the broad goal of health in highest regard. We happiness, a world of freedom and peace. recognize the peoples' debt of deepest gratitude to Welcome to Minnesota.Good luck and God such great institutionsasthe Mayo Clinic and speed. University of Minnesota that have done so much The PRESIDENT : Thank you very much, Mr Free- to further that goal. man. We in Minnesota likewise believe that neither the diseases of the body, nor diseases of the mind, nor 4.Address by the Assistant Secretary of State for diseases of society, can be confined by state boun- International Organization Affairs daries or by national borders.We recognize that just as surely as many young men of Minnesota The PRESIDENT :The Honourable FrancisO. contracted malaria because it was prevalent in far- Wilcox, Assistant Secretary of State for International away parts of the world, so will we all be infected - Organization Affairs, will address the Assembly. and must suffer the consequences -as long as hunger The Hon. Francis O. WILcox, Assistant Secretary and poverty, insecurity and war, exist anywhere. of State for International Organization Affairs : As we in Minnesota look forward to our second Mr President, Mayor Peterson, Governor Freeman, century of statehood we know that the conquest of Mr de Seynes, fellow delegates, and friends of the the frontiers of human relationsis our greatest World Health Organization, may I say in the begin- challenge in the years ahead.We know that this ning that I am pleased to be back in this part of the involves relations with people of all colours and country where my middle- western accent is more creeds in all nations of the world. We know that these understandable than it is in New York and Washing- frontiers can be conquered only in co- operation, on ton. the broadest possible basis, with the people and the It gives me great pleasure to be the first to welcome nations of the world. you on behalf of the Government and the people We are therefore not only proud and happy, but of the United States tothis Tenth Anniversary we are inspired by hope and faith as we welcome Commemorative Session of the World Health Orga- you, the delegates and observers at the Tenth Anni- nization. Dr Milton Eisenhower, the personal repre- versarycelebrationandtheEleventhAnnual sentative of the President, will have more to say in Assembly of the World Health Organization. this regard when he addresses you tomorrow. We want to express our heartfelt appreciation and The people and the Government of the United deepest gratitude for the contributions to medical States are indeed deeply honoured to have the science -and therefore to the health and well -being opportunity of serving as hosts to the World Health of our own people here -that have been made by men Assembly. Your presence here is an expression of and women in other parts of the world. We hope the keen interest of the United States in the World that we can contribute our share, in turn, to you and Health Organization, and I am certain that it will to them. stimulate in the people of our country an even We wish you every success, in your meetings here greater awareness of the vital and far -reaching work and in your great efforts throughout the world, in being done by this organization. 22 TENTH ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATIVE SESSION

In my capacity as Assistant Secretary of State I now holding back man's progress can be brought am constantly concerned with the relatively new under effective control and in some cases eradicated. dimension of international relations -multilateral This progress of WHO, in my opinion, has been diplomacy.Although this is a comparatively young possible because it has achieved a remarkably happy branch of the art of diplomacy, it has been rightfully blend of the highest idealism with the soundest of called " the diplomacy of the future ". Many of its practical operating techniques.It has not attempted techniques are still in the formative stage, and a to bite off more than it can chew.It has exercised certain amount of trial and error are still involved; praiseworthy realism in recognizing the limits within but as an indication of what we may expect in the which it has to work, and in concentrating its efforts future from multilateral co- operation, I know of anddesigning programmes gearedtoavailable nothing more encouraging than the story of the resources.These programmes not only have had success of the first ten years of the World Health great impact in the present but also serve as clear Organization. evidence of what can be expected in the future. WHO has in fact a record of solid achievement. In your lifetime and mine, if present trends conti- The combined effortsof doctors,scientists and nue, this world of ours will be literally bursting at the public -health administrators of its Member countries seams. Population is increasing at such an explosive have built an ever -increasing storehouse of knowledge rate that it will confront man with a tremendous and experience which today is available to millions challenge in providing food and clothing and ade- of people throughout the world for the improvement quate medical care for our teeming billions.It is of their health and their well- being.These efforts estimated that every week now 1 800 000 new births have produced significant gains in the constant fight occur. Every hour that passes welcomes 11 000 new against many communicable diseases. babies into the world and life expectancy is increasing Although the battle against communicable disease by leaps and bounds. is the most dramatic aspect of the work of the Now I am well aware of the argument that WHO, World Health Organization, the development of through its efforts to improve health standards, is publichealth services may prove to be its most exacerbating the world's population problem rather important contribution to the welfare of mankind : than making it better.Why should we make an for effective publichealth services will be able to all -out effort to improve infant mortality rates and prevent the very diseases which we are now fighting to increase man's longevity, so the argument runs, to control.Laying the foundations in countries when there are already more people in the world where none existed, and strengthening them where than can presently be sustained at a decent level of they did exist, the Organization is now directing a living ? great part of its activity into this all- important field. Quite apart from the moral aspects of this problem, Here too the story is one of accomplishment, parti- it remains a fact that people who are racked with cularly in the less developed areas of the world : fever or weak from debilitating diseases cannot make rural health services established, hospital adminis- substantial contributions to their nation's producti- trators and nurses trained, rehabilitation programmes vity.The World Health Organization is helping to and physical therapy schools in operation. give people in many lands strength and energy to A great measure of this rapid accomplishment is build and produce and grow the things man needs due to the very close co- operation which has existed to live a more abundant life.It is highly encouraging between WHO and other branches of the United to note that in the last few years world food produc- Nations system. Working closely with the Food and tion, at long last, has begun to outstrip the rapid Agriculture Organization, WHO has made steady increase in population.Overall food production in progress in the solution of serious health problems 1956 increased by close to 3 per cent. over the created by nutritional deficiencies.It has joined forces with the International Labour Organisation previous year, while world population increased only in helping to improve industrial medicine.In co- by 1.7 per cent.It is significant, I think, and highly operation with the United Nations Children's Fund significant, that some of the substantial increases in it has made vital contributions in improving the production occurred in former malarial areas where tragicplightof the two -thirdsof theworld's the work of the WHO has been particularly active 900 000 000 children who lackadequatefood, and effective.Thus, WHO is not only saving lives shelter and protection against disease.Given conti- but it is helping to move the world ever closer to nued support for the work of WHO, there is real the time when every human being can enjoy life, reason to believe that much of the burden of disease liberty and the pursuit of happiness. SECOND MEETING 23

In the years to come WHO will be called upon to Organization. In their respective jurisdictions these assume increasing responsibility in a variety of areas two men -aided by their able staffs -have given relating to public health.There will no doubt be unstintingly of their time and their talents to further increased efforts to eliminate or alleviate cardio- the cause of peace and to move the world ahead in vascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, arthritis, rheu- its eternal quest for human betterment. They prove matism, influenza and poliomyelitis,aswellas again that progress does not always originate with certain tropical diseases.We can expect increased the great powers ;they demonstrate once more the attention in such important fields as the prevention unique and invaluable contribution which the smaller of emotional and mental disorders; occupational nations can make to the United Nations. health; food and drug services; and the health The World Health Organization has launched a aspects of nuclear energy.These will be the great programme to improve the health of mankind on medical problems of tomorrow. a scale unknown in history. Its achievements already In addition to the contribution which WHO is have provided a preview of the almost limitless making towards improving standards of health and possibilities for international co- operation in the productivity in the world, it is making, I think, still field of public health.If the new developments in another contribution to peace which is somewhat the scientific and technological fields are devoted to more subtle but perhaps no less significant. And I the well -being of mankind everywhere, I am firmly think I can speak perhaps a little more authorita- convinced that the day will come when many of the tively about this one than I could about the field diseases which are common today throughout the of medical science itself.Admittedly, the political world will be unknown to successive generations. activities of the General Assembly and the Security In conclusion, Mr President, may I say to all the Council are far more glamorous than the economic delegations represented here that I sincerely hope and social work of the United Nations. WHO seldom that your stay in the United States will be most makes front -page headlines and its efforts are carried pleasant and productive.f wish you every success on without a great deal of fanfare.But WHO, in in your important deliberations. its quiet and effective way, is doing much to encourage the nations to work together to solve their The PRESIDENT : Thank you very much, Mr Wilcox, mutual problems.In the long run, it seems to me, for the speech which you have addressed to this this growing habit of working together will have a Assembly. lasting impact upon the solution of problems in the political field. 5.Address by the Representative of the Secretary - It is well to keep in mind that disease is in fact General of the United Nations international, in the worst sense of that word. Germs go from one country to another without The PRESIDENT : Mr Philippe de Seynes, the Under - passports or visas, and their incursions in this respect Secretary of the United Nations for Economic and are seldom noticed. Moreover, DDT -spraying Social Affairs, will address the Assembly. programmes certainly do not have the public impact Mr DE SEYNES, Under -Secretary for Economic and of the launching of an earth satellite or an outer - SocialAffairs,United Nations :Mr President, space missile. But these and other WHO efforts are Mr Wilcox, Governor Freeman, Mayor Peterson, equally as important in the long run as many of the Dr Candau, delegates, ladies and gentlemen.It was drama -packed conferencesinthepoliticalfield. only at 10 o'clock, New York time, this morning Through steady co- operation of this kind we can that the Secretary -General of the United Nations, make significant contributions to the creation of Mr Hammarskj old, decided that he had to give up those conditions in the world which will form the a plan which he had cherished, that is, to come over bases of a lasting peace. here and enjoy the friendly hospitality of the State In the field of health we have passed the point of of Minnesota and of the beautiful city of Minneapolis, no return.International co- operation is not only and join with you in the celebration of the tenth sensible and desirable, it is absolutely essential. anniversary of this great organization which is a In this connexion it would be a dereliction of my member of the United Nations family. He has sent duty if I did not avail myself of this opportunity to a cable, which was read this afternoon to the Assem- express my very deep admiration for theoutstanding bly, and has asked me again to express his deep work of two great leaders -Dag Hammarskjóld, regret.I am sure you all understand that he had no Secretary -GeneraloftheUnitedNations,and choice but to stay in New York in the present state Dr Candau, Director - General of the World Health of world affairs. 24 TENTH ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATIVE SESSION

While I would have wished that the state of the " It is only necessary to call the roll of the institu- world were such as to permit Mr Hammarskj i ld to tions of the United Nations family of agencies to be here, I hope you will permit me to say how deeply show the extent of this development -the World privileged Ifeel myself to be able to attend this HealthOrganization,theInternationalLabour meeting in his place. As the Under -Secretary of the Organisation, the Food and Agriculture Organization United Nations responsible for the activities of the of the United Nations, the United Nations Educa- department which isthe most closely associated tional,Scientific and Cultural Organization, the with the work of WHO, it is indeed a great privilege International Bank for Reconstruction and Deve- for me to be able to join in this celebration. lopment and the International Finance Corporation, I will now, with your permission, read the message the International Monetary Fund, the International which Mr Hammarskjöld intended to deliver here Civil Aviation Organization, the International Tele- tonight : communication Union, the Universal Postal Union, the World Meteorological Organization and, most " It is a great disappointment that I have been recently, the International Atomic Energy Agency. prevented at the last moment from being present at this observance of the Tenth Anniversary of the " With few exceptions, these world institutions establishment of the World Health Organization.I have been established since the Second World War. send you the greetings and congratulations of the The creation of so many of them in so short a time United Nations itself. At the request of the executive speaks, in itself, of the desire of the governments to heads of the other members of the United Nations give practical application to the objectives of Article family of agencies I also transmit to you, on their 55 of the Charter. It also speaks for the common need of the nations. The problems of economic, social and behalf, their equally warm best wishes and their technical development for all of them have evolved regret that they could not all be here in person to in such a way since 1945 as to make organized inter- share in this occasion. national co- operation across all barriers of politics, " All of us take pride in the many great contribu- ideology and culture a sheer necessity if each of tions made by the World Health Organization in its them is to reap the benefits of the new developments first ten years towards better international co- opera- in science and technology without creating new tion in safeguarding and improving the health of tensions and risks. the peoples of the world.The League of Nations " I have dealt thus far with the commitment of had taken the first steps in this field. WHO has, of the nations as reflected in the very existence of course, been able to advance much further.Its these world institutions. At the same time we must achievements initsfirstten years constitutea recognize that the resources so far made available striking demonstration of the possibilities inherent to world institutions for multilateral programmes in the use of world institutions for the welfare of have been small compared with bilateral and regional mankind. programmes and even smaller,of course, when " There are many others here today better qualified compared with the need of the nations for finding than I am in the field of public health to review these peaceful and constructive solutions to the many achievements and I shall not attempt it.However, problems of economic and social development which I should like to say a few words about the developing face them. role in world affairs of this family of United Nations " Thus the impact of the United Nations agencies institutions in which the World Health Organization upon each of the problems which they are called plays so important a part. upon to face, valuable as it has already been in many " Since the United Nations Charter was signed in fields, has so far been a comparatively modest one. San Francisco thirteen years ago next month there It has been natural for the governments to proceed has been a vast expansion in the areas of human life cautiously with multilateral programmes while the served by world institutions dedicated to internatio- United Nations and the specialized agencies were nal co- operation for economic and social progress. gaining experience in these first years in the admi- The principles which have animated this expansion nistration of such programmes.There have also are stated in Article 55 of the Charter, which begins been causesderiving from thepoliticalclimate with the words :' With a view to the creation of prevailing in international affairs for the somewhat conditions of stability and well -being which are secondary role assigned so far by the Member States necessary for peaceful and friendly relations among to the United Nations family of agencies in the field nations...' of economic and social development as a whole. SECOND MEETING 25

" As to the development of a sound administration arise.An outstanding example is the work of the and co- ordination of the programmes of the United United Nations system in furthering international Nations family, this is, of course, a responsibility co- operation in the peaceful uses of atomic energy, that is shared, on the one hand, by the governments including the creation of the International Atomic acting through the Economic and Social Council and Energy Agency. New forms of relationship between the intergovernmental organs of the specialized international and national action have also emerged, agencies and, on the other hand, by the secretariats as in the great malaria eradication programme and concerned. the Mekon River Development Project. " I believe that, on the secretariats' side, we have " I referred to the political causes, added to those made good progress in improving administration and reasons based on sound administrative caution during co- ordination during the last few years.In this the first experimental years, for the comparatively connexion I should like to pay a personal tribute, in modest resourcessofarallocatedby Member my capacity as Chairman of the Administrative governments to the multilateral programmes of the Committee on Co- ordination, to Dr Candau and, world institutions of the United Nations family. The before him, to Dr Chisholm, for the co- operation sharp conflicts between States and groups of States and help which they have given. which have dominated the international scene since " Because the major problems of economic and the United Nations was established have naturally social policy are so closely interrelated, the tasks and created strong pressures for placing the main empha- activities of our international organizations are inter- sis on bilateral and regional programmes. However, dependent. Between some of these organizations and the unanimous votes of the General Assembly last WHO relations are especially close.I refer to FAO, fall for the new Special Fund in the field of economic in respect particularly of its work on nutrition, which development and the new United Nations Economic is of direct importance to public health.I refer Commission for Africa, apart from adding new again to UNICEF, an organ of the United Nations dimensions to international action, seemed to reflect itself, which has been able to provide supplies of a growing recognition on all sides of the political many kindsbuttressing WHO programmes on as well as the economic value of the multilateral behalf of children.I might mention also ILO, in United Nations approach. whose work thereareimportantpublic- health " I hope that this trend will continue. The close aspects, and UNESCO, particularly because of the relationship of the economic and social programmes relationship between primary education and the of the United Nations family of agencies to the health of children.I fact, every one of our interna- problem of making progress towards a stable peace tional organizations affects every other and requires has been too often forgotten.The carrying out of its support to a greater or lesser extent in respect of such programmes is necessarily complex and difficult. some part of itsactivities. Hence the emphasis But the difficulties are far less than the contributions that has been placed over the years on the need for which such an approach can make to the cause of co- operation and co- ordination, and the development peace by lessening tensions and by gradually breaking where possible of concerted action. down the barriersto understanding between the nations of the traditional West and of Asia and Africa " Of course, inter -agency co- operation is capable and between groups of countries with different of further improvement, through the efforts of both beliefs about the relationship of man to society. governments and secretariats.But itis working " The United Nations agencies are pioneers in better than before,both inthe Administrative an experimental undertaking in the direction of a Committee on Co-ordination and, in respect of better international order.Although still in the technicalassistance, in the Technical Assistance early stages of their development, they have, I Board.This is also true not only at our respective believe,fully justified the faith of the Member headquarters, but around the world.Officials and governments which established them,that such experts of the United Nations agencies are demons- world institutions are essential to the nations in trating how world institutions can carry out multi- their efforts to cope with the great challenges of lateral programmes with efficiency and effectiveness our times. and in close co- operation with each other. " In conveying to this gathering the best wishes " Thus the governments now have at their disposal of the United Nations family to the World Health in the United Nations system a well -tried multilateral Organization on its tenth anniversary, may I, there- machinery. This machinery has also shown itself to fore, express my conviction that its past achievements be capable of adaptation to meet new needs as they will prove to be foundations upon which an increa- 26 TENTH ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATIVE SESSION singly effective contribution to the welfare of man- to light the importance of virus diseases to public kind can be made in the years to come." health, particularly in countries with a high economic development. What they have done in environmental The PRESIDENT : Thank you, Mr de Seynes, for the sanitation, in the higher training of nurses, in health speech and the message delivered to this Assembly. education, has stimulated other countries not always to follow the same lines but to consider these subjects Address by the President of the Assembly 6. anew.The great contributions to health research The PRESIDENT : As President of the Health Assem- made by private bodies such as the Rockefeller bly, I have the pleasurable duty and the honour to Foundation found here their initiative.The list is express the gratitude of the World Health Organi- too long to pursue further, but the World Health zation to the Government of the United States for Organization itself has received help from this coun- the hospitality they have offered us for this historic try, not only in the striking goodwill with which the meeting in which we celebrate our tenth anniversary, UnitedStatesPublic Health Servicehas made and for the generous provision that they, the State members of its staff available to the Organization of Minnesota, and the City of Minneapolis have but also in the readiness with which the great made for this occasion. research resources of the United States have been But we, as an organization, have other reasons freely lent to solve problems with which WHO is to feel grateful to the United States of America for faced in the course of its work. work whose value is known to all the world, but Itisalso to be noted that the World Health which can be properly appreciated only in a gathering Organization was conceived at the United Nations such as this, devoted to the promotion of the highest Conference on International Organization in 1945 standard of health for all peoples, and at which are at San Francisco, on the Pacific Coast of this great present many who have, with unexampled knowledge, country.It was, I might say, born at the Inter- skill and industry, contributed to that immense and national Health Conference of 1946 at New York, honourable task. on the shores of the Atlantic.In New York too it The record of any international organization must had its home during its early days. Now, in the heart be expressed largely in the work of its constituent of its natal country, it celebrates the tenth anniver- Member States, and it is fitting to recall here, with sary of that day when it stood up on its own feet and gratitude and admiration, some of the outstanding began its life's work in Geneva. contributions that the United States of America has Here in Minneapolis we are not only the fortunate made to national and international health :ideas guests of a hospitable country: we have been welcomed and methods that have pioneered roads followed by an important partner in our joint work; and we are later by WHO or that have formed part of the great in a country where the purposes of our organization task to which our organization is dedicated. and such results as it has been able to produce in these ten years are sympathetically and intelligently- There is for example the early war against yellow understood and appreciated. We could not have a fever, in which the United States Public Health better place or better circumstances for the celebra- Service had its origin.It was an enlightened govern- tion and review of our organization's first ten years ment that in those early days recognized that the of work. public health service was a force as necessary to the Let me therefore, as the representative of the World safety of its country as an army or a navy and was Health Assembly, say a few words on what WHO exposed to risks as great; and which decreed that its has done, and what it has learned, in those ten years. senior members should hold commissions from the When the First World Health Assembly met in President, like the officers of the armed forces. Geneva in 1948, it had before it, in the WHO Cons- At the beginning of this century the control of titution, an unlimited ambition and an immense task. yellow fever in the Canal Zone of Panama showed, For the first time in history the ideal of human on an unprecedented scale, how scientific discoveries health had been publicly stated in the simple terms could be translated into action which made possible of the highest possible level of positive health, for a practical achievement of economic advantage to all peoples throughout the world, without distinction the whole world.In our own times the United of any kind. The transition was complete from the States has pioneered the large -scale use of immuni- original conception of international health work as zation against poliomyelitis, and also has brought protection against pestilential diseases, to a broad- SECOND MEETING 27

an unlimited -conception of public health in all its questions it had little more to do than give formal aspects.The task of the new organization, almost approval to the proposals of the Interim Commission. frightening in its large simplicity, was and is the Some questions, such as the establishment of regional transformation of that unlimited ideal into practical organizations, the election of the Executive Board, results. and the size of the budget for the first eighteen You will remember that this honourable burden months of theOrganization's work,calledfor was freely and willingly accepted at a time when careful discussion; formal action was necessary to many countries were still suffering from the vast take over work inherited from other organizations, dislocations of a great war and when emergency and priority was given to several of the many tasks action to relieve the disease and suffering caused by before the Organization. the war was imposed by circumstances as a first It was soon found that a list of priorities drawn necessity. We must pay tribute to the courage and up on general principles, though it was useful in the imagination of those who framed our Constitution early years, was less realistic than consideration of and to the nations who accepted it in the face of requests for assistance received from governments, these handicaps. which had first -hand practical knowledge of the But, on the other side, the Organization began its needs of their people.The Constitution provides work with several advantages.It had at its disposal that the Organization shall assist governments, upon the example and the experience of earlier health request, in strengthening health services; and one organizations, such as the Pan American Sanitary of the more remarkable features of the first ten years Bureau, the Office International d'Hygiène Publique, of WHO is the degree to which those modest words the Health Organisation of the League of Nations, have been gradually recognized as the fundamental and the Health Division of UNRRA. Many of the working principle of the Organization, to which it methods that WHO uses in its work were first used may almost be said that all its varied other functions and tested by those earlier organizations; some of are subservient. WHO is international, not supra- its present functions are the continuation of international :itisthe governments of its Member national work that they started; they helped to States that are responsible for the health of their provide a nucleus of staff for the Interim Commission peoples; WHO's duty isto help governments to and WHO. discharge that responsibility when they ask for help. There is another advantage, of which we may not But the requests for aid received from governments always be sufficiently conscious.Health work, by are varied.Their total has always exceeded the its nature, has one great simplification which is not resources available to the Organization at any time. found in some other internationalfields. The Some guide is necessary to selecting the requests economic development of one country may, if it is that can at any time best be answered; and this guide pursued with too narrow a view, be gained at the is to be found in the general programme of work, economic expense of other countries; narrow political which the Executive Board is required by the Consti- ambitions may disturb a country's neighbours; but tution to submit to the Health Assembly from time no country can possibly suffer if the health of its to time for consideration and approval. That general neighbours is improved.There are no ideological programme substitutes for a rigid list of priorities differences about health.WHO is therefore less a set of guiding principles elastic enough to take sensitive to political climates than most international account of the needs and circumstances of individual agencies; its problems are to find the most effective countries so that they may be provided for in the practical way to its goal and to decide the order in annual programmes. which its manifold tasks should be undertaken. Before I pass on to a short description of the The delay of nearly two years between the signature methods used by WHO in meeting these requests of the Constitution in 1946 and the First World from governments, I should remind you of two Health Assembly in 1948 was not lost time.The features of WHO which help it in the exercise of its Interim Commission was able to review the whole functions. range of work provided for in the Constitution and The Executive Board, described in the Constitution to suggest to the Assembly which of the many prob- as the executive organ of the Health Assembly, not lems were the most urgent and the most suitable only considers questions referred to it by the Assem- for early practical action. bly, but also makes recommendations on its own The work of the First World Health Assembly was initiative and takes an important part in the conside- greatly helped by the agenda that had been prepared ration of the Organization's annual programme and for it by the Interim Commission, and on many budget.Bodies with executive functions of this kind 28 TENTH ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATIVE SESSION are part of many organizations, but the special WHO assists in seeing that those questions are character of the WHO Executive Board is that it is referred to research workers who can provide the composed of persons technically qualified in the answers. They respond invariably with a willing and field of health. Certainly it is not easy for any health effective interest; and the world owes to them more worker to detach himself from the problems and than it knows. interests of his own country; but the experience of This vital process of collecting and distributing ten years has shown that health workers of all knowledge is also the function of the various publi- countries can transcend their national points of cations of WHO.The technical reports of the view and apply their varied experience to the needs expert committees I have already mentioned. There of the Organization in a purely international spirit. are also monographs on special subjects and the WHO's constitutional system of regional organiza- scientificarticles included regularly in the WHO tion, in its character and extent at least, is unique Bulletin. Of more specialized purpose are the perio- among international agencies.The First World dical epidemiological and statisticalpublications Health Assembly exercised the power given to it by inherited from the League of Nations. the Constitution with such promptitude that the For the free diffusion of scientific knowledge, first of the six regional organizations was at work agreement on scientific terms and measurements is in South -East Asia before the end of the year. essential. WHO has therefore continued and extended Through the network of regional offices, there comes work on standardization of various kinds that had totheOrganization asympathetic and clearer been started and carried on by other organizations. understanding of the needs and desires of Member The first International Regulations, adopted by the States; through the same channels there goes out to First World Health Assembly, were a guide to the those countries advice and assistance more effective uniform use of the International List of Diseases and than could ever be given by a single centralized Causes of Death. The International Pharmacopoeia, office.Regionalization was indeed an imaginative essentially a work of standardization, is now used and successful experiment. by many countries as the basis of their national How can I in this address give any adequate pharmacopoeias. WHO's work on biological stan- account of the methods by which WHO does its dardization has helped to secure that substances work ? You all know that advisers are sent to help whose potency must beassessed by biological governments in specific tasks, ranging from single methods are used throughout the world in dosages consultants for a month or two, to teams who will measured by reference to common standards; and work with the government and their colleagues of the promulgation of internationally acceptable names the country for a period of some years, until the for new therapeutic substances helps to avoid much back of the problem is broken and the health admi- unnecessary confusion. nistration can carry on the work without outside aid. By such means, and by others too numerous to But before useful advice can be given, knowledge mention now, WHO assists in the collection and must be accumulated.No small part of WHO's distribution of medical knowledge. But, as so many work is to assist in leading knowledge from the of us here know from our daily work, many things laboratory or the study to its practical application must be done before knowledge can be applied in in the control of disease and the improvement of practice to improve the health of the world. Good health. Medical scientists and health administrators organization is needed to avoid waste of effort -and in all parts of the world have been enrolled in expert WHO increasingly provides advice on the organi- advisory panels (of which there are now thirty -six) zation of health services -but above all we need in different aspects of medical knowledge and its trained workers to run the services.The lack of administration.From them are drawn from time adequate and competent staff is the principal handi- to time expert committees to consider in detail cap of many national health authorities; and WHO particular questions of importance. The reports of has found, in most of its varied projects of assistance, those committees distribute to all countries valuable that it was necessary to set up or strengthen arran- information on a wide range of subjects.In other gements for educating and training health workers meetings, specialists meet to discuss the features that of all types and grades.It has therefore assisted common problems present in particular countries and medical schools, for example by providing professors the methods that they have found successful.In until national staff were ready to take their place, such meetings, in the expert committees, and in and has encouraged and helped the training of nurses, field work, gaps are found in our knowledge, and of engineers, of technicians of various kinds and of SECOND MEETING 29 auxiliary workers, both by assisting institutions of suitable and effective, and whether any of our education and through its constantly growing system efforts have been misdirected or vain.Praise is of fellowships. A recent development has been the pleasant, but criticism is more helpful. provision of training in the health aspects of atomic Finally, I come to a point that is fundamental to energy, both in its direct application to medicine and all international work for the benefit of mankind. in protection from dangerous radiation. Instruction The good lifeis not a collection of independent has been giventolarge numbers of personnel conditions :it is an organic whole, though it can employed in campaigns against communicable disea- be viewed from different sides.These ten years ses, and in the last few years teams have been trained have made it clear that the health of mankind cannot in the special techniques used in the eradication of be served by medicine alone.Health, economic malaria. prosperity, social contentment or progress all depend I have not spoken earlier of WHO's functions as one on the other and must be pursued as parts of a regards international quarantine, because that ques- whole.A poor country has not the resources to tion, in which international health work began and build an effective health organization or to undertake with which many international health conferences campaigns against disease; health workers cannot be have struggled, has now almost reached the happy provided unless there is a good general education state of the country that has no history. The Inter- on which to graft the special training; an under- national Sanitary Regulations are, with some reser- nourished population cannot be healthy. WHO has vations and exceptions, nearly universally adopted, therefore sought and found ways of co- operating and special provisions for the Mecca Pilgrimage have with other organizations, with the United Nations, been agreed to be no longer necessary. The machinery with specialized agencies, with intergovernmental and for distributing quarantine information works rapidly non -governmental organizations,as well as with and well and the Organization is now recognized and scientific institutions and individual workers in all accepted as the interpreter of disputed points. parts of the world.During these years the amount Fellow delegates, speaking tonight on your behalf of work given to ensuring such good co- operation as representative of the World Health Assembly, I has increased. It takes time at the start but it secures have attempted togive some account, however in the long run better and more lasting results. We inadequate it may be, of the experiences of the past have learnt much of how this essential co- operation ten years, as they have appeared to our Assembly, can be made practical and effective, and we propose and of the principles and ambitions that we have to learn more. endeavoured to realize.We believe that we have I close this incomplete account of what WHO has made some progress, from empirical attacks on tried to do by paying a tribute to all those nations, local symptoms towards combined operations that organizations and individuals who have helped in will extirpate some causes of sickness and towards this great and honourable task of service to mankind, strengthening national capacities to cope with illness in which we are proud to be associated. and to improve health. How far we have succeeded Our programme for tonight has been concluded. I hope, hear from those of you who are we shall, I declare this meeting adjourned until tomorrow going to speak later on behalf of their countries. morning at 9.30. It is the governments that best know whether the help that the Organization has tried to give has been The meeting rose at 10.15 p.m. 30 TENTH ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATIVE SESSION

THIRD MEETING

Tuesday, 27 May 1958, at 9.30 a.m.

President : Dr S. AL -WAHBI (Iraq)

1. Opening Remarks by the President It also had the pleasure of being one of the early The PRESIDENT : The meeting is called to order. members of the Executive Board. Before we start with our list of speakers I should Health activities in Thailand, as in many other like to remind you of the time -limit on the speeches countries, have been stepped up tremendously since -ten minutes. In order to finish our business within the Second World War ; and in these activities the the limited time, I am obliged to enforce this strictly, objective has been to put first things first in so far and I am sure that with your help we can bring our as itis possible to do so, although this has not business to an orderly conclusion. The speaker will always been easy. Also, mass or impact programmes be warned, first, by a yellow light, for a few seconds were the measure of choice in the early part of the only, and then by a ,red light which means that his ten years :malaria, yaws, and tuberculosis were time -limit of ten minutes is up.Please take notice allocated a high priority and so received early atten- of that and it will, I am sure, be a great help in the tion.These programmes have progressed to the conduct of this meeting. stage where malaria, with bilateral assistance, is in the eradication phase; the initial phase of the BCG 2.Address by the Chief Delegate of Thailand campaign has been completed; and the yaws campaign is at the early stage of integration into the The PRESIDENT : The first speaker is the delegate regular health services. of Thailand. The delegate of Thailand has the floor. With these impact programmes well under way, Dr SUVARNAICICH (Thailand) : It is a great pleasure early thought was then given to such other subjects to present greetings and good wishes from the as leprosy, school health, maternal and child health, Government and the people of Thailand to the World rural health, nursing, and health education of the Health Organization on the occasion of its tenth public, these being later followed by nutrition, vital anniversary.Thailand alsoheartily welcomes its and health statistics, dental health, community health neighbour, Malaya, as the newest and most recent development, and so on. Needless to say, numerous Member of the WHO family. fellowships have been made available in the above Good health is essential for man, to enable him subjects. to devote energy and thinking to useful purposes. These activities are mentioned merely in a general A high standard of health for all people in the world way and are by no means intended as a complete is a necessary condition for progress and for peace. list of the Government's activities in association At the end of the Second World War, people in with the World Health Organization, often with other many lands, especially in the less developed countries specialized agencies of the United Nations, parti- such as Thailand, were struggling to conquer many cularly UNICEF, and oftenalso with bilateral preventable diseases.This could hardly be achieved assistance from the American foreign aid programme. without assistance in technical and scientific know- While we are obviously in a position to discuss ledge from the West.The creation of the World in detail the situation in our own country, we are Health Organization has made it possible for these also in a position, by virtue of our membership in countries to acquirethe much neededscientific theRegional Committee sinceitsinception,to knowledge and practical experience which can be appreciate the marked progress that has been made applied with gratifying results.In this connexion, in all other countries of the South -East Asia Region we are happy to say that Thailand has the pleasure during the period under review. We are sure that of being one of the early members of the World these countries, like ourselves, are most grateful to Health Organization, having ratified the Constitution the World Health Organization for the assistance as the twenty -first Member on 26 September 1947. which has always been so freely forthcoming. THIRD MEETING 31

In conclusion, we would like to mention our deep and Security -can and should be preserved through respect and high regard for the Director -General and collective action and mutual co- operation. the Regional Director and their staff, and trust that Itis indeed a source of satisfaction that the they may long be spared to continue their highly safeguard of these two great affluences has been appreciated humanitarian activities. entrustedtotheUnitedNations andtothe World Health Organization, each of which has The PRESIDENT : Thank you, delegate of Thailand. played its part to the best of its ability.In the new age, so filled with promise, this organization has a 3.Address by the Chief Delegate of Iran great part to play and a remarkable destiny to follow. Let us all hope that she will pursue and accomplish The PRESIDENT : The delegate of Iran has the floor. her mission wisely and successfully. Dr RADII (Iran) :I am in no position to match The PRESIDENT :Thank you, Dr Radji. the eloquence of the speakers of last night and this morning, whose superb presentations have left such 4.Address by the Chief Delegate of the United Arab a deep and lasting impression on everyone here.In Republic this galaxy of distinguished personalities and at this solemn gathering, I consider it an unusual privilege The PRESIDENT : The delegate of the United Arab to have the opportunity of saying a word or two Republic has the floor. on behalf of the Iranian Government on the occasion Dr TARRAF (United Arab Republic) :It is indeed of the tenth anniversary of the World Health Orga- a great privilege and honour to be able to be present nization, on the soil of a great country where the here today, to participate in the Tenth Anniversary seeds of this organization were first planted. Commemorative Session of our great organization. The ten years passed in retrospect are the graphic My pleasure is even doubled by being the first evidenceof anorganizationconstantly looking representative of the United Arab Republic at the forward, continually re- appraising its mission while meeting of the World Health Organization. Follow- holding our stability in a gyrating world. ing the traditions of this august body,I shall of In the furtherance of the happiness and progress course refrain from entering into political discussions. of mankind, and in the best interest of humanity, Suffice it to mention here that this is one of the rare scores of nations have pooled their resources to times in the history of mankind that two States have realize the dream that man for so long has hoped willingly merged for the mutual benefit and welfare would come true on earth.Ten years of trial and of their people, through pooling their resources and error, success and failure, have gone by. The World potentialities, a cause which is almost identical with Health Organization, shoulder to shoulder with her the humanitarian objective for which this organiza- allied sister organizations, has made her share of tion is fighting. contribution to the sum total of human happiness Mr President, I could stand here for hours trying and productivity.However, a great deal remains to enumerate the outstanding achievements of our to be done. organization towards the advancement of medical As the fight against infectious diseases draws to science and publichealth techniques, which have the end, new problems in the field of atomic energy, contributed materially towards the alleviation of diseases of old age, consequences of mechanization human sufferings from sickness and disease; or and industrialization appear, which require the most trying to recapitulate the excellent services rendered expert attention. The future holds remarkable gifts to Member States to improve their national health for man, but gifts which may have inherent unhappy administrations so that they should be able to meet propensities for the public health if not properly the needs of the social progress of our age. But this cared for.It is therefore the duty and responsibility has been ably covered by my colleague who preceded of this organization, through the guidance of experts, me, and no doubt will be even more completed by to safeguard the future of mankind.In working those colleagues who will follow me. A mere look towards our objectives in future we ought to learn at the world health situation today and that of ten from our mistakes in the past and be aware of our years ago will give a vivid, hopeful and encouraging limitations as well. outlook about where we stand.Therefore, I will The people of Iran, under the leadership and only say that it is gratifying to note the gigantic guidance of His Imperial Majesty, the Shahinshah, strides with which our organization is approaching and in compliance with the Islamic slogan, believe its goal, a goal so ably described in its Constitution. that the two affluences unknown to man -Health This progress is manifested and well illustrated by 32 TENTH ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATIVE SESSION the greatly increased number of people receiving and 5.Address by the First Director -General of the benefiting from the badly needed services of our World Health Organization organization through the constantly widening scope The PRESIDENT : May I call on Dr Brock Chisholm. of its activities. Dr Brock Chisholm has the floor and will address But let us not forget that the goal is not yet the Assembly. reached and that we still have far to go.Yet let us Dr Brock CHISHOLM, first Director - General of the benefit from the success achieved and be encouraged World Health Organization : It is for me an unusual, to double our efforts in shouldering the great respon- even a unique experience, to be attending this meeting sibility entrusted to our organization. Therefore, of the World Health Organization in a personal in the name of every sick, undernourished or disabled capacity and with no responsibility whatever. There man, woman or child in the four corners of the world, is a good deal of pleasure in this experience; this I appeal to you all to spare no effort in extending pleasure has been increased by my finding the all possible moral, technical, and material assistance atmosphere in the Organization as good as one to this organization in the years to come, because, could possibly have hoped. The World Health if such co- operative assistance was essential in past Organization, I hope since its beginning and certainly decades, I am sure it is a " must " in the decades now, has been recognized widely, indeed throughout ahead.If, in the past, diseases observed no boun- the world, as an efficient and honest organization. daries and required international co- operative work Its reputation is good. for their control, in the era of atomic energy and At a time like this, after ten years of its work, it control of outer space, the alleviation of human is worth while, I think, to try to look a little at the sufferings should be the immediate concern of us factors in the establishment and the maintenance of all.Let us hope for a day, in the not too distant that reputation.I believe that the central fact, the future, when all countries will realize this respon- watchdog, the guardian of the integrity of the sibility and will join in mobilizing even a part of World Health Organization, is its Executive Board. their resources under the leadership of the World The Executive Board of the World Health Organi- HealthOrganizationforattainingthehighest zation is unique. It is made up of individuals serving possible standard of health for all mankind. in a personal capacity whose duty it is to advise Mr President, my Government, fully aware of the the World Health Assembly on all matters which important role the Organization can play for the are referred to the Board or which it may initiate betterment and prosperity of mankind, has always itself. Their responsibility in their work on the been and will continue to be a supporter of the Executive Board is wholly to the World Health cause of this organization. We sincerely hope that Assembly, not totheir own government in any when we meet again to celebrate another ten years degree whatever. I believe itis of the greatest of healthprogress,thisorganizationwill have importance that this fact should be kept in mind by achieved the universality we all long for.We also all governments, by all delegates, by all members look forward to the day when all nations of the of the Executive Board.There stillare certain world, regardless of race, religion or political belief, sincere people in governments who believe that the will gain their political independence and sovereignty Executive Board should be converted into a politi- and will participate as full Members of our orga- cally controlled body, made up of representatives of nization. governments.I think it is clear that the effect of In conclusion, Mr President, I should like to avail any such change would be to make the Executive myself of this opportunity to pay tribute to all the Board a political body whose technical advice could international civil servants who have served this never again be relied on by the World Health Assem- organization since its birth.Had it not been for bly, because it would take into account the wishes their zeal and enthusiasm, their integrity and devo- of the governments who designate.In that case, tion,theiruntiring and painstakingefforts, we it would be their representatives to the Executive should have no reason to meet today. Last but not Board. The integrity of the Executive Board is basic least, I should also like to express my esteem and to the integrity, the reputation and the fulfilment gratitude to those nations who initiated the creation of the destiny of the World Health Organization. of this organization and to those who have assumed The Secretariat represents many influences, many a leading role in its development to itspresent pressures, many concerns that do not show on the state. surface. The members of the Secretariat come from all over the world, and with their specific experiences The PRESIDENT : Thank you very much, Dr Tarraf. of a particular race, particular religion, particular THIRD MEETING 33 set of attitudes and ways of doing business, the Professor ZHDANOV (Union of Soviet Socialist formation of an international civil service from a Republics) (translation from the Russian) : The Cons- group of national individuals is not an easy proce- titution of the World Health Organization declares dure. An international civil servant is not produced the right to health to be one of the fundamental overnight. There is a growth process.It is essential rights of every human being. At the same time, the that in the World Health Organization there should Constitution makes each government responsible for be a considerable degree of continuity in the Secre- the standard of health of its people.The Soviet tariat, as well as change. The bringing of new blood Union was one of the States that took an active part into the Secretariat as people resign or go to other in drawing up this document, and we affirm that positions is of great importance to the Secretariat not only do we fully share its principles but that we and to the Organization.But a high degree of are also prepared to assist in every way in putting continuity is of the greatest possible importance, them into practice as soon as possible. because of the traditional attitudes that do grow up The World Health Organization was founded in in the Secretariat -attitudes towards service to the order to raise the health of all peoples of the world peoples of the world, independently of the particular to the highest attainable level.This is a noble task origin of any member of the Secretariat.This may which inspires not only doctors and other medical take some time to be established in any organization. workersbutallforward -looking peopleof the During the last six months or so, I have visited world. Humanity is confronted, in essence, by two some twenty countries, and in each of those countries tasks : to struggle for peace and health -for a long have found a very high degree of appreciation of the life free from war, and for good health. The World efficient and honest work, devoted work, that the Health Organization, by the very nature of its work, World Health Organization is doing everywhere in is called upon to stand in the forefront of this the world. I think this should be very pleasing to the struggle; for peace and life, like life and health, are delegates who have guided its work in the World indivisible. Health Assemblies, and most particularly to those Naturally, in the work of the World Health Orga- devoted persons who have served on the Executive nization there are considerable successes and achie- Board and have taken the responsibility for getting vements as well as mistakes and defects.Today, things done in the ways in they know they on this important occasion -the tenth anniversary should be done by this kind of organization. of the establishment of WHO -it seems to us that Finally, I would like to give my most sincere we should not only speak of the past : we should congratulations and express my deep admiration for also think about the future, about how we are going Dr Candau and his staff. The devotion that is shown to justify the trust of the peoples of the world, who by members of the staff of the Organization, many expect great achievements from WHO in the struggle of them unheralded, unknown, working even in for health.We should not rest content with our Our main task now is to improve our jungles, in all sorts of places where no one hears of successes. activities. them at all, is quite astonishing; it adds up to an enormous amount of devotion to the great cause The fundamental requirement for successis a correctly planned programme of future activities. In I am greatly honoured this organization represents. our view a very important task confronts mankind : to have been associated with the World Health to create such living conditions as will promote Organization in its early years, the happiest memories better health among all strata of the community, of my life are of helping the staff to overcome some in the first instance the working people. At the same of the early struggles and helping them to establish time, we must work out measures that could help the sort of organization that now has flowered, I to avert new hazards to the life and health of the think, beyond the expectations or even hopes of people. Unfortunately, we have to admit that any of us at the beginning. scientific and technical advances are not always used Sometimes the The PRESIDENT :Thank youvery much, Dr in the interests of life and health. private,localinterestsof separate groups take Chisholm. precedence over the interests of mankind as a whole. There are even sceptics who consider civilization and 6.Address by the Chief Delegate of the Union of progress to be the cause of sickness. Of course, that Soviet Socialist Republics is not correct.Techniques and civilization are not The PRESIDENT : I call on the delegate of the Union to blame. It is not the machines, not the achievements of Soviet Socialist Republics. of scientists that are responsible, but the conditions 34 TENTH ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATIVE SESSION

which enable men to turn the achievements of enough ?Should we not all strive to remove the science to the detriment of mankind.Our task is most frightful danger : the mass destruction of people, to ensure that every new scientific discovery becomes of the civilian population, of innocent children, of a means of improving the living conditions and the women, of the aged ?What advantage is it to the health of the people. people to cure them of typhus or malaria only in In our view, there are three fundamental policy order that tomorrow they may be consumed in the aspects in the work of the World Health Organi- terriblefireof an atomicorhydrogen bomb zation : explosion ? The firstisto contribute to the eradication of As for WHO's methods of work, we realize that infectious diseases, including particularly dangerous the success of our work depends on how successfully ones (smallpox, cholera, yaws, malaria, trachoma, active co- operation is set on foot among all nations, leprosy, bilharziasis, tuberculosis, etc.). This work is all governments, and all scientists concerned with of major importance for the economically under- medicine and public health.Nowhere isit more developed countries.We fully appreciate that the necessary than in this field definitely to give up a attainment of this objective calls not only for doctors policy of self -sufficiency, of discrimination and of and medical supplies, but also for a rise in the level isolation. The broader the front of scientific research, of economic development of these countries. Never - the more quicklywillthepresent problems of less we know of historic examples of countries at a medicine be solved. We are pleased to note in this low levelof economic development successfully respect the beneficial work of WHO in the combined solving very important problems of health and health study of a series of problems (influenza and other services when thesocialstructure favoured the virus diseases, malaria, etc.). An extensive exchange struggle of the whole population for better health of experience must underlie all WHO activities. The conditions. These historical facts should be studied broadest reciprocal help of all countries, without by the World Health Organization. discrimination and without any political conditions The second policy aspect of WHO's work is the whatsoever, is a pledge of the successful work of the attack on the diseases which are usually called chronic Organization. and degenerative, but in our view are undoubtedly In conclusion, I should like to stress the not un- socialdiseases. Ihave in mind cardiovascular important fact that, together with methodological diseases,cancerandneuropsychiatricdiseases. assistance, the dispatch of consultants and instructors, WHO is already engaged in the study of this problem. and the furnishing of insecticides and equipment to We believe that this aspect should occupy a larger the under -developed countries, it is very important part in the programme of work of WHO. The solu- that those countries be enabled to develop their tion of this problem is of immense importance for own national economic resources and their culture the peoples of Europe and America in the first place. to the maximum. For only against a background of Itwould beincorrect by means ofstatistical general progress will these countries be able to put to " dodges " to proclaim these diseases to be the natural the best use the assistance that the World Health result of the " aging " of the population. It is not a Organization and other United Nations organi- question of changes in the age pyramid of the popu- zations are now giving them. lation of European and American countries. A We should like to express our greetings to the thorough study of the facts shows that the etiological honourable delegatestothe Tenth Anniversary factors must be sought in the exogenic environment Commemorative Session and to wish all countries -in the living conditions of the people. This must be success in their future work in one of the most stated publicly so that the people may know how humanitarian of the international organizations. vitally important problems of health can be solved. Finally, we come to that policy aspect which is The PRESIDENT :I thank the delegate of the USSR. third in order but not in importance -the problem of the active struggle with new dangers menacing the 7.Address by the Chief Delegate of France life and health of the people. I mean atomic radiation. The development of nuclear physics has unfortunately The PRESIDENT :I call on the delegate of France. brought to mankind the threat of annihilation, the Dr AUJALEU (France) (translation from the French) : threat of new sources of disease.Everybody knows On this occasion of the commemoration of the tenth that the World Health Organization isstudying anniversary of the World Health Organization I bring questions of the use of atomic energy for peaceful you the good wishes not of France only : my words purposes, for diagnosis and treatment.But is this will also express the high esteem in which this organi- THIRD MEETING 35 zation isheld by Belgium, Luxembourg and the Each one of our countries has benefited by its Netherlands.These countries have requested the work.In some, diseases which had been endemic delegate of France to speak on their behalf also, for thousands of years have practically disappeared; thus showing an excellent example of their spirit of in others, infant mortality, that massacre of the international co- operation, which has led them to innocents, has been greatly reduced; other countries, stand aside in order to facilitate the arrangements of a thanks to health measures, have been able to improve ceremony which they have as much at heart as anyone. their agriculture and consequently their nutrition; This mark of confidence is a great honour for me and yet others have been able to give better pro- and also a great responsibility.I accepted it because tection to their populations against the unfortunate I knew that the geographical proximity of these consequences, both physical and mental, of indus- countries to my own, the similarity of our problems, trialization and the modern way of life.In all of our common culture, not to mention the bonds of them the span of life has been lengthened. friendship which unite us, would allow me without These material results are enormous and they are too much difficulty to express ;their feelings along also essential; for one can never repeat too often with those of my own country. that the dignity of man depends in the first instance This tenth anniversary celebration is by no means on his material situation.Exception made for the an empty ceremony and we must congratulate saints which every religion has produced, thought ourselves that it has been made possible.It is an cannot attain its highest levels in populations which opportunity for us to sum up what has been done, to suffer from chronic malnutrition, which are a prey reflect upon the past, and to question ourselves to parasites of every kind, or exposed to the most concerning the future.Looking back, there is suffi- dreaded diseases.The enjoyment of those delights cient perspective to enable us to judge results; and the of the spirit which are dearest to man presuppose life of the Organization has been long enough for us that he should not be engaged in a perpetual struggle to know what we can ask of it in the future. against famine and disease. The World Health Organization during these first The World Health Organization, however, has ten years has been what we have made it, since in the given us more than this.It has replaced the former lastanalysis everything has depended upon the notion of international health, which was essentially decisions made by the various Health Assemblies to protect certain countries against diseases brought and by the Executive Board. We are, therefore, led in from others, by the infinitely nobler conception to make an examination of conscience.As the in which countries join together to assist the least Director -General saidin that remarkable work, favoured. Thus the Organization has made us more The First Ten Years of the World Health Organization, deeply aware than in the past of the need for a soli- this must be done " as objectively as possible ". This darity uniting all the nations of the world on an means that we must not only refrain from flattery equal footing -in the field of health as in many -which in the long run would be self -flattery -but others. equally from unwarranted self -criticism. Has the Organization fully succeeded in incul- Ten years ago there was much to be done for health cating this new concept, which would be the most throughout the world.The World Health Organi- solid foundation for true international co- operation ? zation set to work without delay, taking advantage I sometimes wonder. I am not so naïve as to believe of the extraordinary development of prophylactic that in an organization like this we can keep ourselves and therapeutic techniques in order to meet the most entirely free of politics and ignore their influence upon urgent needs.In some cases assistance was given the life of nations.I am well aware that health, directly in the regions concerned; in others help took social and economic conditions cannot be dissociated the form of better training for health personnel and and are linked with the hazards of politics -which the introduction of better methods; and in others they influence or by which they themselves are the Organization made a more subtle contribution influenced. by making peoples aware of their health needs and Nevertheless, recalling the past ten years, I cannot arousing a spirit of emulation among countries. The but regret the too numerous discussions when, contribution of the World Health Organization has because some particular political principle was at always been effective and it may be said without stake, the atmosphere suddenly darkened, the debate exaggeration that the Organization has played a became bitter, and hostile factions were constituted part, and sometimes a very important part, in all within the committees -and when no amount of the great advances made in the field of health over artificial procedural manoeuvring could dissipate our the last ten years. uneasiness. 36 TENTH ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATIVE SESSION

And yet a few hours later, in the same room, the before WHO had provided a certain amount of same speakers, back on the familiar ground of experience as to how international health work technical discussion, set aside their national place - may be carried out. But the concept of this organi- cards and used each other's names instead, compared zation, created in San Francisco in 1945 and in their problems, and freely exchanged ideas in an Paris and New York in 1946, was so much broader atmosphere of mutual esteem and confidence, even and deeper, the situation in the world so much of genuine friendship. changed, and the progress in medical science so Is it Utopian to hope that this latter atmosphere formidable, that this organization -the World Health willprevail ? And that we shall besufficiently Organization -when it came into existence ten years conscious of our responsibilitytopreserve our ago, in many ways had to start from scratch, or at Assembliesfromthesediscussionswhichhave least to innovate large parts of its activities. nothing to do with the improvement of health ? Some of the main difficulties to be overcome in the In the world today there are many elements of beginning may perhaps be listed as follows : misunderstanding and strife.Is it not for us to give Firstly, there was .a certain reluctance on the part an example of mutual understanding and solidarity ? of governments to request the services of WHO, Instead of allowing the echo of political meetings sometimes because they did not know how to to be heard in our gatherings, should we not raise utilize this new instrument, partly because a request our voice to proclaim the principle of disinterested for assistance might reflect on their own inability to effort for the well -being of man -a fundamental solve their national health problems, and also perhaps element of stability and therefore of world peace ? because they feared that the activities of WHO Much more could be said on this subject but would involve great costs to them. these are other speakers to be heard and I shall Secondly, there was a scarcity of medical personnel content myself, in conclusion, with expressing our of all types trained for international work with pleasure at the circumstances in which this tenth personalities and an outlook which would fit them anniversary is being celebrated.It was on the soil harmoniously into this new type of activity. of this country that the establishment of the Orga- Thirdly, I might mention the lack of well developed nization was decided and that its early foundations and tested methods for international health work. were laid.The Organization has received its most important financial assistance from this country and And fourthly, there was an uncertainty as to what also the most constant moral support. There could health problems should be given priority. have been no better choice than a city of the United Today, Mr President, it is extremely encouraging States of America wherein to celebrate this anni- that, obviously, these difficulties which I have now versary. mentioned have all been more or less overcome. But although the choice of country depended upon Governments are asking WHO for services to such us, the date of the ceremony was beyond our control. an extent that we are not in a position to meet all We should rejoice that it came at such a propitious their requests within the limits of our budget. An time for our organization.The founders of that increasing numberofhighlyqualifiedmedical organization, many of whom are present here today, personnel, although still not great enough, is willing wished it to be universal.That universality was in to join in this new international branch of medicine. some danger during recent years, but it is not so Gradually effective methods are being developed, today. This newly -found unanimity isa happy and without too much trouble we have also been omen and it will enable us, I am quite certain, to able to agree on the priority grading of those many carry through this splendid undertaking, whose aim tasks which are before us and to decentralize activities is to bring greater well -being and happiness to all by regions.Most remarkable have been the high men, to our brothers everywhere. quality of the contributions of the so- called technically under -developed countries towards the deve- The PRESIDENT : I thank the delegate of France. lopment of WHO, as an effective international working instrument for world health.This holds 8.Address by the Chief Delegate of Norway true both of the representatives at meetings and for the Secretariat.Even if the lack of material wealth The PRESIDENT :I call on the delegate of Norway. of thesecountriesstillconstitutesperhapsthe Dr EVANG (Norway) : The Health Section of the greatest single problem in the world today, obviously, League of Nations, the Pan American Sanitary they are not lacking in realistic appraisal of their Bureau, the Office International d'Hygiène Publique, healthproblems,inintelligentand courageous and other international agencies for health existing planning, and in enthusiastic execution.Without THIRD MEETING 37 their constructive thinking at a high scientific level, central position in international health work as their practical approach, and their loyal support, established through its Constitution and the agree- WHO would not have been what it is today. ments reached with the United Nations and the other Now, with our back free, from a secure scientific, specialized agencies.The return of a number of organizational and methodological platform, we inactiveMemberstoactiveparticipationhas may turn towards the enemies- disease, poverty, strengthened our position in this respect very much in and ignorance, forming that vicious circle which the last two years, but there still is a large open still dominates the lives of more than half the wound :we are missing in our midst the largest population of the world. Already in these few years nation in the world, the People's Republic of China, we have proved beyond doubt that at surprisingly with its four hundred million or more people.In low cost we can break the weakest link in this view of the increasing tension in the world it is now vicious circle. We can eradicate certain diseases, urgent that we the doctors, at least, gather all the combat others, and lengthen the lives, improve the nations of the world, without consideration of creed, working capacity of whole groups of populations colour,politicalor economic systems,intoan and thereby change fundamentally the basis for their economy. We have been able to breathe hope and organization which has a unique opportunity to happiness into the minds of millions of people simply relieve some of that tension. by administering only a small fraction of what Our opportunities are practically unlimited. Even medical science today has to offer mankind. during the short period of life of WHO, progress Already for several years, however, the situation in medical science and medical technology, and also has been as favourable as I have now described for in medical organization, has been such that itis expanded WHO action, and we have today, there- very difficult indeed to follow up.In all countries fore, also to ask ourselves the more unpleasant of the world, including the richest ones, there is question : Why is it that we have not been able still a deep gulf between what the populations are to utilize this possibility to a fuller extent ? We all being offered in the way of health services and the know the answer -lack of funds. When the Constitu- services which might be available to them if medical tion of this organization was drafted twelve years science could be spelled out in practical terms - ago and the first tentative plans for the activities of I mean personnel, institutions, equipment and organi- the Organization were drawn up many of us felt zation. Here we have a role to play under our WHO that a starting point of about twenty -five million motto, " respect for human life and dignity ". dollars per year would be natural, and that a gradual The PRESIDENT :I thank the delegate of Norway. expansion would take place from that. Even after ten years WHO has not reached that point. Further, there is the tendency- mentioned in 9.Address by the Chief Delegate of Canada Mr Hammarskjiild's statement yesterday -for nations not only to be rather reluctant in their financial The PRESIDENT :I call on the delegate of Canada. support of WHO, but at the same time to spend on The Hon. J. W. MONTEITH (Canada) :It is an international health work under bilateral arrange- honour for me as Canada's Minister of National ments and in other ways much larger funds outside Health and Welfare to speak for my country on WHO. Although it is, of course, encouraging that this momentous occasion. On behalf of my colleagues money is being spent for international health work, in the Government and of the nearly 17 000 000 men, this situation creates complications, and the situation women and children who make up the Canadian of WHO has not always been too easy.Also for nation, I extend sincere congratulations and best national governments the complicated international wishes to the World Health Organization on the machinery, with an increasing bureaucratic structure, tenth anniversary of its establishment. As a people sometimes even with conflicting interest between we believe in the aims and objectives of this great agencies, represents unnecessary problems. body. We joined in bringing it into being and, The unfortunate political atmosphere of the post- together with our fellow Members, have worked war period, of course,has contributed towards constantly to further its programmes and activities. these difficulties. WHO has had all the time to stand Now, as it enters its second decade, we pledge our up for its own technical integrity and for its own continuing and wholehearted support to what we 38 TENTH ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATIVE SESSION feel is one of the most outstanding experiments in of programmes after international assistance has international co- operation ever undertaken. terminated. To all must go a large measure of the A milestone such as we are marking in this comme- credit for what has been accomplished. morative session is indeed a significant event.On There are, of course, many whose contribution to the one hand, it is a time for looking back and - the World Health Organization has been particularly if you will -for taking a measure of pride in what outstanding and to whom we owe a special debt of has been achieved.On the other, it presents an gratitude. Prominent among theseindividuals opportunity for reassessment,for planning with must surely beitspast and present Directors - renewed determination to meet the problems still General-Dr Brock Chisholm and Dr M.G. before us. Candau.I know that everyone herewill agree In retrospect,the World Health Organization that the far- sighted, wise and courageous leadership has good reason for satisfaction.No agency has of these distinguished gentlemen has been of para- ever set for itself a more challenging goal than was mount importance to WHO in this critical period of laid down in its Constitution.Yet despite the size its growth. of the task and the tremendous obstacles in the way Naturally I cannot help but be proud that a of its attainment, no organization in history has Canadian was called upon to be the first head of this succeeded in attracting such universal participation agency. I am also pleased that Dr Chisholm - by the international community in the quest of although now in official retirement -has consented common objectives. This to me represents the to join our delegationatthisCommemorative primary achievement of the past ten years. Session, along with another member of the Canadian Disease, of course, respects no geographical boun- team that attended the 1946 International Health daries.It is of little avail for one country to expend Conference-Dr Adelard Groulx, the distinguished its resources and energies in eradicating infections, Director of Health Services for the City of Montreal. onlytohave them reintroduced from abroad. In this connexion, I might say that it is a matter of Thankstotheworld -wideco- operativeaction regret to my Government that a third Canadian achieved through WHO, an effective approach has representative at the New York meeting -Dr Cla- been made to this problem. Widespread recognition rence Routley,retired General Secretary of the and acceptance has now been secured for the Inter- Canadian Medical Association -has found it im- national Sanitary Regulations, which, while not the possible to serve with our delegation on this occasion. final answer, do constitute very real progress in the To Dr Candau I would like to express, on behalf right direction. of the Government of Canada, our sincere gratifica- The agency's second major accomplishment to tion at his decision to accept for a further two -year my mind has been its effectiveness in building an periodtheonerousresponsibilitiesof Director - organizational and operational framework for carry- General.I can assure him that he will continue to ing out its functions.In this connexion, I have in enjoy our wholehearted and loyal support. mind not onlytheSecretariatatheadquarters I have drawn attention to what I regard as the and in the regions but also the various other admi- outstanding achievements of WHO's first decade : nistrativearrangements which have enabled the universal membership and effectiveorganization. World Health Organization to acquire and apply Offsetting these advantages, I see two major problems to the fullest advantage mankind's store of scientific standing in the way of progress towards our ultimate knowledge and experience. objective. Here I would be remiss if I did not say a warm As in the past, financial considerations will no word of thanks to the thousands of men and women doubt continue to hamper our efforts.Given an who have contributed in one way or another to the international situation in which governments must Organization's success.I use the word " thousands " remain committed to tremendous defence expen- advisedly,becauseonemustconsiderinthis ditures, this would seem inevitable.Indeed, wholly connexion not only those who have served in the adequate financial support for organizations such as agency itself but also the many persons " outside " WHO is unlikely until we have achieved a more who have given so much of their time and energy stable world. to its work.I refer, for example, to those in their In addition there is the fact that many parts of the own national health services who have been res- world have not yet reached a level of development ponsibleforassessingtheircountry's problems, sufficient to permit their effective use of the assistance initiating requests for help, carrying out the detailed available through the World Health Organization. planning of projects, and ensuring the continuation Social, cultural and economic adjustments will have THIRD MEETING 39 to be made before these areas can benefit to the full We in America were especially pleased at the inte- from the discoveries of modern medical science. gration of the experts of the World Health Organi- While the contribution of the Organization is limited zation with those of the Pan American Sanitary in this regard, it does have a role to play in com- Organization.The latter has a history which goes plementing the work of otherUnited Nations back more than fifty years and thanks to its experience agencies. it has been possible to provide better direction and Summing up, our overall objective in the years planning of the work carried on in our continent by immediately ahead would seem to be this : to assure international organizations. to the best of our ability that, when the moment In presenting our cordial greetings to all the delega- arrives for moving forward in a particular area, tions here present I would like also to express to the adequate financial resources are available to do the officials of the World Health Organization, through job. This to me is the only realistic approach possible theiresteemedDirector - General,Dr Marcolino under present circumstances.It also, I am con- G. Candau, our admiration and our gratitude for vinced, represents the best avenue for the continuing the work they have done, and to reaffirm on this, fulfilment of those hopes and aspirations which men its tenth anniversary, our faith in the Organization and women of every nation have placed in this which represents world thought and effort in the agency. field of health. Today, the World Health Organization stands The PRESIDENT : Thank you, Dr López Herrarte. as one of the most successful examples of the kind of internationalco- operation we need inthese troubled times. It is surely the wish of everyone that 11.Address by the Chief Delegate of China its influence should grow ever stronger in bringing toall mankind ahealthier,happier and more The PRESIDENT :I call on the delegate of China. productive life. Dr Liu (China) : To come into existence is a happy And now, on behalf of the Canadian delegation, event; to celebrate an anniversary and to review may I convey hearty congratulations to the civic accomplishments arestill more pleasant. Itis authorities on the centennial celebrations of this therefore a great pleasure to me to represent my great cityof Minneapolis and on the excellent country, the Republic of China, at this conference arrangements provided for these meetings.May I on the occasion of the tenth anniversary of the also express sincere thanks to our good neighbours establishment of the World Health Organization. and hosts on this memorable occasion -the Govern- In celebrating this day Irecall, not without a ment and people of the United States of America. measure of pride, the part my Government played The PRESIDENT : Thank you, Mr Monteith. in its establishment.It was the Chinese delegation together with the delegation of Brazil which took the initiative in the founding of this organization.Our 10.Address by the Chief Delegate of Guatemala thoughts today naturally go back to the day when Dr Szeming Sze of China and the late Dr de Paula The PRESIDENT :Icall upon thedelegate of Souza of Brazil presented at the United Nations Guatemala. Conference at San Francisco in 1945 the proposal Dr LÓPEZ HERRARTE (Guatemala)(translation to establish WHO. It was also a Chinese national, from the Spanish) :It is a great honour for me to the late Dr P. C. Chang, China's representative on attend the celebration of the tenth anniversary of the the Economic and Social Council, who proposed the World Health Organization on behalf of Guatemala resolution on the calling of an International Health and I have pleasure in expressing the thanks of my Conference at the first session of the Economic and Government for the cordial reception given to our Social Council in London on 7 February 1946. delegation to this commemorative session. China and the United Kingdom were the first two The World Health Organization, whose purposes nations to accept and ratify the Constitution of are clearly laid down in its Constitution and whose WHO. These efforts successfully culminated in the noble aim is to achieve the highest degree of health formal bringing into existence of this great organi- forall peoples, has during itsshort and fruitful zation in 1948, the event which we are now comme- existence vividly demonstrated the links which unite morating. all countries in matters of health; this fact alone It gives me gratification to be able to say that WHO would be sufficient to make us proud of our organi- is one international agency which can claim to have zation. made real accomplishments in the last ten years. 40 TENTH ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATIVE SESSION

It has actually waged a war, not a cold war, nor a The Republic of Viet Nam, whose Government I hot war, but a war against microbes that cause have the honour to represent on this rostrum, has disease and pestilence in the world.This war has pleasure in taking the opportunity of expressing its been fought not against fellow human beings but admiration of and gratitude to this world organi- against the common enemies of mankind. The zation, whose activities for the protection of man remarkable progress so far made in different fields against all threats to his health, both age -old scourges of public health has brought us a step closer to the and new dangers arising from advances in industry fulfilment of the objective of the attainment by all and science, cut across the frontiers of nations and peoples of the highest possible level of health. In this continents. respect, a tribute must be paid to all the govern- Delegates more qualified than myself, in particular ments and individuals who have taken a direct or those who have had the privilege of taking part in indirect part in publichealth and preventive medicine the work of our Organization from the outset, have and in seeking and following the advice of WHO. already described or will describe to you what WHO In spite of its many difficulties, the Government has achieved throughout the world :I shall restrict of the Republic of China has fully co- operated with myself to mentioning briefly what Viet Nam, a WHO and has made good use of its assistance in member of the Organization since 1950, owes to strengthening its health services. Activities have been it. During these eight years our country has received greatly expanded in the control of communicable fruitful aid from WHO, for the development of the and parasitic diseases, in the strengthening of public - BCG campaign as well as for the study of medical health administrations, and in the training of medical statistics and for an environmental sanitation pro- and nursing personnel. Spectacular results have been gramme. As regards maternal and child health, achieved in the control of malaria, tuberculosis, the joint action of WHO and UNICEF has proved venereal disease and trachoma, in maternal and child its worth. health,mentalhealth,environmentalsanitation, This technical and material assistance of WHO has etc.Time will not permit me to go into details, given, in the case of Viet Nam, particularly tangible but I can say that the level of health of the people in results, above all during the last three years with the Republic of China has been greatly improved. the return of peace and a health policy consistently In presenting to you this brief résumé of what has based on democratic principles and the respect of been accomplished, Mr President, it is my pleasant the individual. duty to inform you that my Government has The epidemics of cholera, smallpox and plague, authorized me to say that the Republic of China formerly frequent and responsible for the loss of so reaffirms her faith in WHO, dedicates herself afresh many human lives,have practically disappeared. to its lofty purposes and high ideals, and continues to Malaria,asocialdisease which held back the pledge her support to the fulfilment of its objective. economic advance of the tropical areas for so long, As one of our statesmen said : " We look backward is at present the object of a large -scale eradication and see much that was good; we look forward and programme.In this field Viet Nam has agreed with see much of promise ". pleasure, not only to make its financial contribution The PRESIDENT: I thank the delegate of China. to the common task, but also to be the headquarters of the Antimalaria Co- ordination Board for inter- countrymalariacontrol programmes,since we 12.Address by the Chief Delegate of Viet Nam know only too well that malaria cannot be eradicated in one country if it is left to spread in neighbouring The PRESIDENT :The delegate of Viet Nam has countries. the floor. The disappearance of these epidemics and endemics Dr TRAN -VY (Viet Nam) (translation from the in Viet Nam represents an important contribution French) : Ten years ago, in April 1948 to be exact, to health throughout the world since, situated as it is the Constitution of the World Health Organization, at a crossroads of air and sea routes, our country prepared by the International Health Conference held can by itshealth conditions affect those of all in New York, came into force after having been countries bordering on the Pacific. Thus in the case ratified by twenty -six Member States of the United of Viet Nam, as in that of other nations which have Nations.Today, by a happy coincidence, we have recently acquired their independence and which the privilege of attending the celebration of the have so many social problems to solve, technical tenth anniversary of the Organization on the very assistance clearly serves the ends of WHO, since an soil of the great nation where it was born. improvement in the health status of a country is of THIRD MEETING 41 benefit not only to the country itself but also to its In my country we have indeed been fortunate in neighbours if not to all the countries of the world, that we are free from the pestilential diseases which so true is it that in health matters the world is one are such a problem for some of our near neighbours. and indivisible. We have not had to call upon the World Health This material and technical assistance of WHO, Organization for any fieldassistance. We are, this disinterested work whose goal is the improve- however, delighted to watch the efforts which are ment of man's condition throughout the world, being made tocontrolthe environmentaland has been possible only thanks to the spirit of solida- infectious diseases throughout the world. rity inspiring all the Members of our Organization. With modern means of transport, particularly If, as is readily admitted at the present time, health the high speed of aeroplanes, no country can be isfundamental to the attainment of peace and regarded as being disinterested in its neighbours' security, there can be no doubt that all those Member affairs. An epidemic commencing on the other side States which with admirable constancy have given of the world can, in a matter of days, be a serious their complete support toour Organization,in problem to every other country in the world. We particular the great American nation with its generous therefore welcome all that WHO has brought about contribution, merit due credit for their contribution initsepidemiological services and itsassistance to this factor making for peace. towards the control of these problems. We must also render homage to all those who, by The technical work of the central office of the their devotion and competence, have made possible World Health Organization has been of the greatest the development of our Organization :to the Pre- value to my country.I particularly refer to such sidents, the Directors- General and Regional Direc- activities as the International Pharmacopoeia, the tors, and the various delegations which since 1948 work on narcotic drugs, food additives, the numerous have played their part in its committees and assem- monographs which have been published, bringing blies.Finally, our delegation would like to pay a within a small compass the latest technical knowledge respectful tribute to the memory of all those workers, on many subjects. in all continents, who have toiled and died in the The attempt by WHO to establish and promote cause of world health. international standards with respect to food, bio- It remains for me to thank, on behalf of the logical, pharmaceutical and similar products has been Republic of Viet Nam, the delegations present at particularly interesting and useful. this session who have been kind enough to listen to my The International Pharmacopoeia, which aims at a words, and to greet them warmly on behalf of our standardized list throughout the world, is important delegation. since it is essential for any country to know exactly I would also like to take this opportunity of whether the drugs imported from foreign countries expressing my thanks to the City of Minneapolis and comply with uniform standards. the State of Minnesota for the generous hospitality Biological standardization is strongly supported they have shown us and for the beautiful and noble and we appreciate the dissemination and interchange setting put at our disposal for the worthy celebration of experience of other countries through the expert of our tenth anniversary. committees of WHO. These remarks also apply to Finally, may I end by wishing our organization a the world -wide knowledge and methods of control long and fruitful life.May its work, so well begun, of addiction- producing drugs. long continue for the greater good of humanity. The Manual of the International Statistical Classifi- cation of Diseases, Injuries, and Causes of Death is The PRESIDENT : Thank you, Dr Tran -Vy. very acceptable as an attempt to put statistics on a comparable basis throughout the world. 13.Address by the Chief Delegate of Australia The Epidemiological Intelligence Service, which maintains a world -wide system of reception and The PRESIDENT : I call on the delegate of Australia. distribution of notifications of quarantinable diseases, Dr METCALFE (Australia) : We in Australia are is particularly useful as it is important to know where delighted to be associated with the work of the diseases such as smallpox, plague and cholera are World Health Organization throughout the world. epidemic. This is necessary to ensure that adequate We have watched with a great deal of interest its measures can be taken to keep these diseases from development from humble beginnings some ten years spreading to every country. ago until it has become the presenthighly organized Information on the development of health labora- and valuable instrument. tory methods has been useful, particularly in respect 42 TENTH ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATIVE SESSION of bacteriology, pathology and blood -group refe- haven it is for the breeding of the various insects rence laboratories. which spread tropical diseases. The leading diseases The publications distributed by the Editorial and are malaria, helminthiasis, amoebiasis, diarrhoea, Reference Services of special interest are the Technical schistosomiasis, trypanosomiasis, tuberculosis, yaws Report Series and Monograph Series, which contain, and leprosy. It is gratifying to note that yaws, which among other things, the reports of the various expert could be found in between 30 and 50 per cent. of the committees. population ten years ago, is now practically eradicated The fact that these various functions of the Central and can be found only in about one per cent. Technical Services are ably co- ordinated and guided Liberia has been fortunate in being one of the by expert committees composed of specialists in foundation Members of the World Health Organi- each field from various countries means that the zation. Our representatives have served on the latest information is available to all countries in a Interim Commission and held nearly every post of consolidated form. the Assembly and the Executive Board.Gone are I would also like to stress the great importance of the days when international health organizations paid the granting of post -graduatefellowships, which no heed to tropical countries.Today, through the give promising students opportunities for study not World Health Organization, we are not only talking available in their own country. but planning universal malaria eradication, so that this number -one disease of the world may be wiped The PRESIDENT :I thank the chief delegate of out.Yaws, which is a drawback in the economic Australia. advancement of many countries,has now been placed in secondary position.This has been made 14.Address by the Chief Delegate of Liberia possible through the joint effort of WHO, UNICEF and the governments concerned. The PRESIDENT :I call on the delegate of Liberia. At the request of the Liberian Government the Dr TOGBA (Liberia) :Ibring to the Assembly first experts of WHO were sent to Liberia in 1950, greetings and good wishes from the President and and since then we have had the following pro- people of the Republic of Liberia.Liberia happens grammes :(1)settingup of sanitaryinspector to be one of those countries which have benefited training;(2)compilingofhealthregulations; greatly from theactivities of the World Health (3)nation -wide yaws programme;(4)malaria - Organization.I shall therefore attempt to give you control programme. WHO has supplied the inter- a brief résumé of what has happened in Liberia in national staff, UNICEF the supplies and equipment, the past ten years. and the Liberian Government provided housing, To consider ten years of health progress in Liberia, local equipment and local staff. it is necessary to give you a short background on Ten years ago there was only one Liberian physi- Liberia. For the past 112 years, Liberia has been a cian; today there are five, with twenty in training free, sovereign and independent republic on the west through the scholarship programme of the Govern- coast of Africa about four degrees north of the ment and WHO. Equator. The land area is 45 000 square miles, with Ten years ago only ten physicians could be found a population of approximately two and a half in the entire country; today there are ninety. There million.The contour is plateau with gradual rise were three hospitals in those days with as many from sea level to 2000 feet above sea level. There are clinics; today, there are twenty hospitals with sixty two distinct seasons :the rainy season and the dry or more clinics or health units. season. The rains usually extend from April to Ten years ago, practically all government health October, with a dry spell from mid -July to mid - activities were restricted to Monrovia, the capital; August; the dry season begins in November and ends today, a government health unit can be found in in March.But with the present disturbance of most important towns. Practically all private health naturethrough atomicexplosionsthisweather programmes are subsidized by the Government. schedule is no longer true : we are having freakish Ten years ago our people doubted modern medical storms and downpours in December, January and practices and therefore hid or did not avail themselves even March. The annual rainfall of Liberia is from of the limited available resources. Today, practically 150 inches to 200 inches.There is always warmth every village is urging the Government to provide and green vegetation. health facilities. The people are now even willing to With this background of no frost nor freezing learn of the modern technique in deliveries, as a temperature at any time, you can imagine what a result of which we are training the old zoes or grannies THIRD MEETING 43 as well as the young women in the proper techniques tion, and appointed asitsDirector - General the of maternal and child care. distinguished Canadian physician, Dr Brock Chis- Today, we train our nurses, midwives, laboratory holm, who guided the World Health Organization technicians and sanitary inspectors. We still have to firmly and steadily along its early road. send our students abroad for public health, medicine, Ladies and gentlemen, our first words this after- dentistry and sanitary engineering. We hope in the noon must be of thanks to this great pioneer, with us next ten years we shall be able to boast of training here today, who with such loyalty and wisdom all our health personnel locally with the help of devoted all his energies to our organization, to which WHO, UNICEF, and the International Co- operation he brought the contribution of what the English call Administration. We hope to boast of malaria and an " iron will ". sleeping- sickness eradication and the reduction or The supreme legislative body, the World Health absence of other preventable diseases. Assembly, met in plenary session in 1948, under the The PRESIDENT : Thank you, Dr Togba, delegate distinguishedpresidencyof thatuniquefigure, of Liberia. Dr Andrija gtampar, of Yugoslavia. We send our respects and our most cordial greetings to this great man.He is unfortunately prevented by sickness 15.Address by the Chief Delegate of Cuba from being among us, otherwise we would have had the pleasure of seeing the delightful and endearing The PRESIDENT : I call on the delegate of Cuba. figure of Professor gtampar on this platform beside Professor HURTADO (Cuba) (translation from the the other distinguished representatives. Spanish) : For a few brief moments I would like to Ten years; a decade; two lustra.They enclose a bring to you the voice of the people and Govern- long chain of achievements. Many representatives of ment of Cuba, at this splendid session to celebrate thevariouscountries have passed through the the tenth anniversary of the World Health Organi- governing bodies of our Organization.Ten annual zation. meetings have already taken place. Every region has It is with some emotion that I mount the rostrum contributed effectively by sending delegates of the at this ceremony in commemoration of the first ten of the highest quality. After gtampar of Yugoslavia, years of WHO's work. We can never give sufficient we had Evang of Norway, Amrit Kaur of India, recognition tothe genius of those distinguished Scheele of the United States of America, Salcedo of representatives of China and Brazil who conceived the Philippines, Khater of Syria, Togba of Liberia, the happy idea of submitting for the consideration Morones Prieto of Mexico, Parisot of France, and of the United Nations Conference on International Al -Wahbi of Iraq.Such is the roll -call of the Pre- Organization, held at San Francisco in 1945, a resolu- sidents of our Assembly. They allsuccessfully tion laying the foundations of this world organization fulfilled the high and responsible function to which in which the best efforts of all countries are dedicated the Assembly called them.They were all inspired to the establishment of a co- ordinated international by and faithfully served the precept Salus populi system for the care and improvement of the health suprema lex est. of our peoples. At theoutset the Organization developed its First the General Assembly, then the Economic and activities from headquarters but soon applied the Social Council, gave their consent to the procedure useful rule of division of work and instituted a policy and left it to be put into proper statutory form by the of decentralization, which was carried out by means Technical Preparatory Committee in Paris which was of a successful and judicious regionalization.The responsible for drafting basic constitutional pro- regions of the World Health Organization are today posals.Theseproposals,afterdiscussionand in full activity; of them, ours in America comes approval by the historic world meeting at New York, under that international body, organized already in became the Magna Carta of our organization. its continental American form under the title of The most outstanding figures in the world of health, Pan American Sanitary Organization, whose history many of whom had played a brilliant part in the goes back to 1902. Health Committee of the defunct League of Nations, We referred at the beginning to the early work of responded to the first call of the new organization and the Secretariat under Dr Chisolm. We now present gave of their utmost in order to make a reality of our respects to Dr Marcolino Candau, the present this world conclave for the health of the peoples of Director - General, to whom we would like to express the world. After the necessary detailed preparation, our great admiration and our gratitude for his the Organization took shape, confirmed its Constitu- brilliant work at the head of the World Health 44 TENTH ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATIVE SESSION

Organization. He has successfully concluded some The fruitful work of WHO can perhaps be best excellent programmes for the eradication of important evaluated by the change of attitude and emphasis diseases and has, with great zeal and tact, found a which has taken place over the first ten years of its way to meet successfully our needs. existence, adapting itself to the needs of the world. In conclusion,ladies and gentlemen, we are The Organization was established after the World celebrating this special commemorative session in War had brought ruin and destruction to many the pleasant city of Minneapolis, under the hospitable nations.Its operations in the first years were there- auspices of this great country, the United States fore mainly directedto emergency programmes of America. At the moment of the world's history designedtoprevent epidemics and control the in which we live, the United States has opened its spread of communicable diseases. This trend is doors to this session with friendly warmth, just as reflected in the first reports of the Director -General, it did at the establishment of the Organization, thus which stress the control of malaria, tuberculosis, enabling us to give expression to our most fervent venerealdiseases,trachoma,yaws andothers. hopes for an enduring and continued development However, the progress of medical science on the one of a work whose aim is to increase the sum total of hand, and WHO's efforts in assisting nations to human happiness. organize efficient health services on the other hand, have led to a situation where it became possible for The PRESIDENT : Thank you, Professor Hurtado. our organization not merely to reduce the incidence of disease but also to embark on programmes 16.Address by the Chief Delegate of Israel designed for the complete eradication of certain diseases. Today, the eradication of malaria, and even The PRESIDENT :I call on the delegate of Israel. of tuberculosis, has ceased to be a dream and has Mr BARZILAY (Israel) :I have the honour and entered the realm of possibility. privilege to convey the greetings of the Government WHO's greatness lies in the fact that it places at of Israel and its delegates here to the Tenth Anniver- the service of all mankind the achievements of medical sary Commemorative Session of the World Health science in the fields of prevention, cure and rehabilita- Organization. tion, while at the same time it understands that pro- The tenth anniversary of WHO is a day of rejoicing grammes for individual peoples must be adapted for mankind as a whole. Our organization, which has to their customs and their psychological attitudes. contributed so much to the health of man as an WHO in its first decade has been acting on the individual as well as to entire nations, has brought principle that health is an integral part of the struggle untold benefits to the world. WHO, which has been for peace, of economic progress and of the striving sparing with words but very active in constructive for a decent standard of living.It has implemented deeds, now faces, after its first decade of work, the these principles by integrating all the fields of medical community of man with a recordof splendid care, by fully utilizing the means at the disposal of achievements, having earned the gratitude and good- medicine -yet always making allowances for the will of all nations.They rightly see it as a major psychologicalandculturaldistinctionsbetween constructive element in the fight against disease and nations -and by developing organizational patterns in the promotion of health. WHO assaults the bul- for health services.It is by these wise yet daring warks of poverty, ignorance and inequality, and methods that WHO has succeeded in carrying makes an invaluable contribution to the well -being mankind an important step forward. of man and society, thus helping the cause of peace However, in the course of human progress, we in the world. find that the more we advance the more we meet Public opinion throughout the world has welcomed with new challenges -greater and sometimes even with appreciation the Constitution of the World more serious problems. We welcome the technical Health Organization, which recognizes, and demands, progress made during this last decade, but we must every man's right to health, without distinction of realize that it has placed before us medical problems race, religion,politicalbelief, economic or social which have not yet been thoroughly investigated condition, and which emphasizes the fact that health and certainly have not been solved. Let me mention is one of the ways leading to international peace. only two examples.Has the use of nuclear energy WHO has taken good that its aims and resolu- and its danger to human health been thoroughly tions shall not become high -sounding declarations, and adequately investigated ?This problem offers but has worked, and continues to work untiringly, wide scope for research, which WHO should certainly for their realization. encourage.The other example is mental illness, FOURTH MEETING 45 which has become the scourge of our generation. express our heartfelt thanks to WHO, which has It has been said that the increase in the number of stood by us throughout these years and has helped mental cases is bound up with the development of us in accomplishing our heavy tasks. civilization.Shall we accept this ?And what can With all sincerity, we wish to an even greater we do for the relief of tension within the mind of the extent than in the past to place our technical skill individual, in the relations between man and his and experience at the service of other countries neighbour or between one nation and the other ? near and far. We wish through WHO to be able in The conventional problems, if I may thus term our modest capacity to contribute tothe great them, are still great and serious; they have been humanitarian task to which thisorganizationis constant companions of mankind for generations. dedicated. But even more serious, sometimes, are the new The universal acclaim which the achievements of problems confronting this generation.I hope that the WHO have earned is in no small measure due to WHO, with its characteristic courage and under- the personal qualities of leadership and foresight of standing, will face them. Dr Chisholm and Dr Candau, the former and The tenth anniversary of WHO happens to coincide present devoted Directors -General of the Organi- with that of the State of Israel. Permit me to mention zation. The Israel Government and people have been only one fact in this connexion. Within one decade privileged to be hosts to both.Only a month ago we tripled our population by admitting our brethren we had the honour and the privilege of welcoming to who came to us from eighty different countries. Israel Dr Candau and theRegionalDirector, Consider for a moment the problems of employment, Dr Taba.I wish to thank them for their visit and housing,education, and health that confront a for the considerate attention and interest they paid nation and a State that increases its population to our work and our problems. threefold within ten years. And it must be realized Before concluding, the Israel delegation associates that many of the immigrants have come from itself withtheappreciation voiced by previous countries with low standards of health. speakers to the United States Government for having In spite of this mass immigration we have pre- invited this Commemorative Session to be held in vented the outbreak of major epidemics, we have the United States and to the warm hospitality of brought malaria almost completely under control, the State of Minnesota and the people of Minnea- we have banished contagious diseases such as plague polis. and smallpox, and we have carried out a successful Mr President, we are crossing the threshold of the Salk- vaccination programme with vaccine produced second decade, crowned with accomplishments yet in our own laboratories, thus reducing the incidence loaded with heavy tasks; but our progress in the of poliomyelitis by 90 per cent.We have lowered past has planted in our hearts the firm hope that we infant mortality, and average life expectancy has can succeed in mastering the new challenges of the risen to 70 years.If we have accomplished all this, years ahead. it was due to tremendous public- healthactivity, The PRESIDENT :I thank the delegate of Israel. general education, and full co- operation between The meeting is adjourned until 2 p.m. governmental and non -governmental agencies. In this connexion,Itake this opportunity to The meeting rose at 11.45 a.m.

FOURTH MEETING Tuesday, 27 May 1958, at 2 p.m. President: Dr S. AL -WAHBI (Iraq)

1.Address by Dr Milton Eisenhower, President of It is an honour and a privilege for your President Johns Hopkins University and Personal Repre- to recognize among us Dr Milton S. Eisenhower, sentative of the President of the United States of who attends this meeting as the personal represen- America tative of the President of the United States of The PRESIDENT : The meeting is called to order. America. We have already had an opportunity 46 TENTH ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATIVE SESSION yesterday evening and this morning to say how Itisfor good reason that the World Health gratifying it is for the Assembly of our world -wide Organization has won the respect of nations, and the organization to celebrate its tenth anniversary in the confidence and trust of people everywhere.Health United States of America. Now, in the presence of is precious to the individual, and to those dear to the personal representative of the President of this himThe health of the community, and of the state great country, I should like to express again, on to a considerable extent, depends on the health of behalf of all of us, our special gratitude for this theindividual. An organizationdedicatedto country's hospitality.Dr Eisenhower is going to improving human health, and composed of so many address the Assembly. May I call on him to come to of the world's nations working together in peaceful the rostrum ? endeavour, surely must succeed in its aim. The fact that its success has been so rapid must be credited Dr MiltonEISENHOWER,Presidentof Johns to the foundations on which it was built. The Hopkins University : Mr President, Mr Director - founders of the World Health Organization re- General,distinguished ladies and gentlemen, the cognized the problems and the need to extend the President of the United States has asked me to bring scope of international health activities beyond those you this message : which were carried out by itspredecessors, the Personally and on behalf of the people of the International Office of Public Health and the League United States, I extend to you, the delegates of of Nations Health Organization. The achievements of these past ten years are largely due to the vision governmentsof so many countries,a warm welcome. You have come here from all corners and dedication of those who have given WHO of the world to deal with very human and personal leadership and direction.The very structure of the problems that affect us all.I wish you notable Organization,withitsfar -reaching network for tapping the knowledge and resources of the world's success. The Tenth Anniversary Commemorative Session experts in health and making these available to the of the World Health Organization directs our health authorities of the world, has been a pattern attention to the fact that the nations of the world for successful international co- operation. are working together in harmony for the improve- All of us of the United States congratulate the ment of the living conditions of all peoples. As a World Health Organization on what it has accom- result of the work of the World Health Organi- plished in these few years.Its modest beginnings, at zation and the stimulating leadership it has given a time when the world was struggling to emerge from to its Member States, millions the world over are the devastation of war, had the undeniably friendly spared from disease and sufferings that would effect of speeding the recovery of those who had been have been their lot.The United States is proud sorely hurt, helping them on the road to a better of its part and the part of its health leaders in this future. mutual endeavor. We look forward to even Tuberculosis, yaws and the other treponematoses, greater accomplishments in the control of diseases, malaria, and malnutrition, are now the subject of in the building of health services, and in the intensive effort on the part of countries and regions opening of new avenues of medical knowledge in which they exist.The catalyst -the assistance of through research. We look to the World Health the World Health Organization -is gradually being Organization with confidence as a proven instru- transferred from these increasinglyself -sustaining ment through which the nations and the peoples programmes to newer, urgent programmes in other of the world can combine their efforts, in friend- areas. Thus, ten years ago yaws was the chief health ship, towards the building of true peace. problem in Haiti. Thirty -five to forty per cent. of the Dwight D. Eisenhower. population was afflicted. Today yaws is practically extinct there, thanks to local initiative and inter- For myself, may I say that it is a genuine privilege national assistance. to address the Tenth Anniversary Commemorative The United States has been closely associated with Session of the World Health Assembly, and I hope the Organization's growth and development. Some you do not mind if I speak this afternoon as much to who are here today helped in drafting its Constitu- the people of the United States as I do to you, for tion.Our publichealth profession has given of its I am sure you will agree it is important that all the time and efforts without stint to further its aims. peoples of the world, including the people of this Many have acted asconsultants in WHO pro- country, should know of your work and, out of grammes and more have served as members of understanding, support it. expert panels. FOURTH MEETING 47

Public health work, perhaps more than any other assistance and internationally co- ordinated efforts, human endeavour, is conducive to intimate inter- demonstration of methods, training, and exchange national co- operation.Disease is no respecter of of experience. national boundaries.Nations can acquire health With this background of achievement, the World without depriving any other nation of these benefits. Health Organization during the next three weeks The demonstration by the World Health Organi- will, of course, be looking into the future.Such a zation of the potentiality of such friendly and pro- forward look suggests two general areas in which ductive mutual work by nations has set a pattern further advance can be predicted.First, eradication for peaceful co- operation in other fields. of those diseases that we now know how to control; As President of the Johns Hopkins University, and second -of equal importance -the discovery I am proud to acknowledge a thread of kinship of measures for the ultimate conquest of other between our School of Hygiene and Public Health diseases that we do not yet know how to control. and the World Health Organization. The founders The Organization has stimulated the imagination of my University recognized the vital importance of of men everywhere by boldly embarking upon a medical science and the health of people, and the campaign to eradicate one of the most extensive universal nature of programmes in thesefields. From the earliest days of the University, its interests diseases to which man is prone :malaria.It was have extended beyond national boundaries.Many my privilege,aspersonal representativeof our of the graduates of our School represented their President, to present to the Director of the Pan countries at the founding of this great international American Sanitary Bureau early in 1957 an initial organization, and I am proud to say your dis- special contribution to this campaign.Since then, tinguished Director - General is one of our graduates. as you know, the United States has made further Many members of the staff of the Organization are contributionstothe WHO Malaria Eradication alumni of the Johns Hopkins, and the names of Special Account and to the Pan American Sanitary many of the delegates to this World Health Assembly Organization. These will help to attain the ultimate are familiar to us as former students.Indeed, if goal, but are not alone sufficient to the needs. The I were permitted to do so, I would be tempted to try President of the United States, in a Message to to form a Johns Hopkins Alumni Association here Congress of 9 January 1958, invited other nations to this afternoon. join in this campaign.It is our hope that many The international centre concerned with trepone- will do so, in order that the peoples of the world, matoses is located at Johns Hopkins, and our faculty, who have faith in this great eradication effort of the in collaboration with the World Health Organization, World Health Organization, will not be disappointed. has made contributions to the control of these In addition to the deep human significance of this diseases. Research in such problems as poliomyelitis, campaign, it is a test of the ability of nations to malaria, yellow fever, cancer, and heart disease is join forces in an all -out attack upon a great killer. carried on at the University and gives promise of When the Organization initiated its work in this further improvement in the health of the people of field, malaria afflicted some 300 million persons a the world. We are proud of the part we have played year.Three million died each year from malaria. as one university in the development of this inter- Now the incidence has been cut in half, and the death national agency. rate as well.But the challenge of full and final This tenth anniversary celebration should remind victory remains. the peoples of the world of the tremendous advances The Organization has also been occupied during made in medical science in recent years, and especially the past decade with the conquest of other diseases in the prevention of disease and disability.Peoples for which the control methods are known. When everywhere should know that the World Health WHO took the world stage in health, following Organization has had a profound influence on these the war, new methods and agents were ready at developments, and that this influence will grow with hand, while actual control of disease had in many the years. places deteriorated.The Organization brought the They should know too that the Organization has new together with the old, with triumphant effect - pioneeredindevelopingeffectivetechniques of penicillin in yaws, DDT in malaria, BCG in tuber- international action in the control of these diseases culosis.New methods were introduced promptly for which we now have effective preventive measures. to spread the accomplishment. We confidently These techniques, as you well know, include technical expect WHO to expand this world -wide activity. 48 TENTH ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATIVE SESSION

As the infectious diseases -the historic scourges of The first steps toward the co- ordination of research mankind -are gradually brought under control and have already been taken. By the end of last year the eradicated, we find other problems moving into the World Health Organization had established close foreground of our concern.Two such are heart working relationships with 1800 institutions and disease and cancer. A certain amount is known about laboratories.It was making use of 35 expert panels both -enough forthevastuncharted areasof in as many fields, with a total membership of 1400 knowledge concerning them to be recognized, as an health experts.Itis thus able to stimulate and explorer recognizes the border of a new continent. co- ordinate research in a wide variety of fields Yet we know that intensive exploration will solve through laboratories in many lands. WHO's facilita- the mysteries of heart disease and of cancer -that a tion of interchange of ideas and information in way will be found.It is even now a question of 1957includedworld -wide or regionaltechnical when, not whether. Where is almost immaterial; conferences,seminars and expert committees in for the man or woman who achieves the final break- cancer,addiction -producing drugs,heartdisease, through may come forward in any part of the world. malaria,insectresistancetoinsecticides,atomic The great medical advances of the last century energy, mental health, yellow fever,professional evoke names from many countries : Pasteur and the education, and other fields. Curies of France; Koch and Ehrlich of Germany; The sum total of these research activities represents Noguchi of Japan; Fleming of Britain; Houssay of Argentina; Pavlov of Russia; Florey of Australia; only a small percentage of the Organization's budget. Semmelweis of Austria; the Mayos and Salk of the Their significance, however, can not be measured in United States.India has given us the tranquilizers; terms of the amounts spent.One example of this Switzerland, DDT; Germany,thesulfadrugs. important type of work which impressed me was What great names, and what countries will take the rapid development of an effective preventive their places on the high pediment of future medical vaccine against Asian influenza last year.This was history we do not know. But what is clear is that, the direct result of having an internationally co- whoever they are, wherever they are, their achievements ordinated network of laboratoriesthat received will be based on the shared knowledge of scientists reportsonitsoccurrence, and determined the everywhere, and will benefit all mankind. prevalence of the causative virus strain. The record is impressive. Much more needs to be Now, I wish to submit a proposal for your thought- done. ful consideration.I propose that the World Health We need more rapid exchange of ideas and infor- Organization conduct a special study during the mation between laboratories and scientists. We need coming year- through a staff selected for the purpose, working with the world's leaders in medical research more opportunities for scientists to meet together -to determine how it may most effectively perform and discuss freely their work and their problems. We its fullest role in research.If this seems to you to need to find the gaps in research and fillthem. offer promise, Secretary Folsom has told me -and We need to develop research workers and give them as he said at luncheon today -the Department of scope and opportunity. We need a world -wide search Health, Education, and Welfare, on behalf of the to know where diseases occur and why. We must United States, is prepared to make a substantial test,inthelaboratory,empiricalobservations grant- indeed $ 300 000 -to the Organization for that are made in the field and in the hospitals. We such a preliminary study.From this study, em- must examine those materials and ideas that have phasizing initially cancer and heart disease, we would persisted through the centuries as traditions and anticipate the emergence of a plan that would superstitions in the folklore of the world. merit the support of Member States. It is our expectation that out of the special study Furthermore, the United States is prepared to which I have proposed the world can, through WHO, address itself more vigorously to finding solutions to substantialsupportforany considerproviding the great unsolved mysteries of disease. Thus again sound programme that may result from the study. the World Health Organization would establish In research the World Health Organization has international patterns of effort, which might lead, as been a stimulator and co- ordinator, not a doer. This President Eisenhower suggested last January, to is as it should be, and we should ensure that it can " a full -scale co- operative programme of science for play this key role with even fuller effect. peace ". FOURTH MEETING 49

A re- examination and intensification of its research who proclaimed nearly 1800 years ago :" Health is role is one of the significant challenges before the a sort of Harmony... and not merely that condition World Health Organization. The United States has in which, suffering no pain, we are not impeded in the faith in the will and the ability of the Organization activities of life. "And it was a sixteenth -century to meet this challenge.Our faith in the future is Englishman, Sir Thomas More, who in his vision based on performance of the past- indeed on a of the future,The Utopia,sturdily said :" Man's decade of accomplishment which itis our pride own proper health, intermingled and disturbed by and our great privilege to celebrate today. no grief, is a delectable thing -a right and sovereign pleasure -the foundation and ground of all pleasures." The PRESIDENT :I am sure I speak for the entire But in both these cases, Galen and Sir Thomas More Assembly in expressing to Dr Milton S. Eisenhower were thinking of health as a boon and a benefit our most sincere thanks for having conveyed to us -not as a right. with such dignity the warm and moving message of the President of the United States of America. Not The conception of health as one of the endowments only are the President's message and Dr Eisenhower's of the human individual, and of that summation address deeply rewarding in showing how the efforts of individuals the nation, and of that totality of oftheWorldHealthOrganizationarebeing nations the world, is relatively modern.In 1776 recognized; they are also an invaluable encourage- the American Declaration of Independence, whose ment for our future work, and confirm our faith in the words have been described as having wings and its ideal on which our organization is founded.I component phrases a haunting beauty, stated and should like to ask our distinguished guest to transmit established the inalienable rights with which men to the President of the United States of America are endowed by their creator as life, liberty and the our special gratitude for this mark of his interest, pursuitofhappiness.Healthisnotincluded which we shall always consider as a great honour specifically in that trinity of essentials, but itis and which will enable us to look forward with implicit in the first and last. increased confidence to the future. And finally my own countryman, Simon, in a specialsursum cordaaddressed to fellow workmen 2.Address by the Chairman of the Executive Board like himself in the field of health, to the organizers of help and hope for their kind, to persons like The PRESIDENT :Our next speaker isSir John ourselves, said :" Man -that paramount creature Charles, Chairman of the Executive Board of the of nature -ripens in his ordained development. The World Health Organization.Sir John, you have the beast of prey is not yet extinct in him, but his organs floor. of higher life are in growth. More and more he rises Sir John CHARLES, Chairman of the Executive to the religion of mutual helpfulness. The forms of Board : In this land of Hiawatha and Minnehaha it civilization are but futile forms -unless pervaded is perhaps appropriate to quote from another poem by the kindliness of man to man " of Longfellow,The Builders. He wrote :" Our During these three days we celebrate a decennium, todays and yesterdays are the blocks with which we a decade, of growth.It is not my intention to deal build ".The truth of that plain statement is very with the milestones of progress or with the minutiae relevant to this decennial commemoration. Our of the economics of the Organization.It would be roots are in the past. Our foundations were laid by easy to unroll before you the statistical manifestations men and women no longer with us. The ideas which which for some are the outward and visible signs of they translated into movement and action are as old success. Easy enough to talk in terms of millions and as time. billions -of millilitres of BCG injected, or pounds, You will remember - and I apologize for the even megatons, of DDT appropriately deployed. repetition - those pregnant words written into the But astronomical figures are bad yardsticks except Constitution of the World Health Organization - for astronomers.I am more concerned with the and I will give them in full :" Health is a state of blossoming of ideas, with the flowering of co- opera- complete physical, mental and social well -being and tion, with the greater and growing united willingness not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. The to serve, not national interests only, but the good of enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of mankind. health is one of the fundamental rights of every Ten years ago this organization mustered fifty - human being..." These sentences recall and re -echo six Members; today it has the spirited allegiance of the voices that like a great bell have rung down the eighty- eight, and the active sympathy of several ages. It was Galen, that consummate physician, more. 50 TENTH ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATIVE SESSION

The facts of achievement are exciting, but the not build, and another inhabit; they shall not faith, which was the forerunner and is now the plant, and another eat :for as the days of a tree moving spirit of those achievements,isof even shall be the days of... the people, and ... they greaterimportance. Thatfaith now animates shall long enjoy the work of their hands. nations.May I ask that it flourish as abundantly and in ever -increasing measure in the breasts of The PRESIDENT :I thank you very much, Sir John Charles, on behalf of the Assembly. individuals. One of the great sayings to be found again and again in the writings of the ancient world is to this 3.Address by the Chief Delegate of Portugal broad effect : " For it is men that make the state, not walls, not ships devoid of men. "Money and The PRESIDENT :I suggest we continue with our material are not in themselves enough for the fulfil- list of speakers, so I call upon the delegate of Portugal. ment of the undertakings, the aims and the ambitions, Dr DA SILVA TRAVASSOS (Portugal) (translation from and the responsibilities of the World Health Organi- the French) : On this occasion, the commemoration zation. It needs not only the devotion but the labours of the tenth anniversary of the World Health Organi- -labours in a multitude of vineyards -of human zation, we feel impelled to go back many years into beings. The great project of world -wide malaria the past and call to mind earlier attempts at an eradication and some of the suggestions which have international approach to health problems. In spite been put before us this afternoon by Dr Milton of the limited time at our disposal, we cannot pass Eisenhower are the paramount example of that need. over in silence the brilliant forty -three years' existence And if I stress this present necessity it is not to of the Office International d'Hygiène Publique, nor diminish in any way the efforts of those who labour the twenty -five years of the Health Committee of the for the Organization now or have given of their League of Nations, which pursued itsactivities best to it in the past. The Organization owes much within a more restricted international circle.The to two Directors - General of distinction and genius, most highly esteemed members of many national Brock Chisholm and Marcolino Candau, and to a health administrations were the moving spirits of staffof devoted anddedicatedassistantsand these two international organizations, and we would supporters. pay due homage to all the men of learning who did May I end as I began by quoting two other voices great work in the cause of international health. from the past. They are voices of encouragement and Many of them are no more; let us pay a tribute to of prophecy. A very great statistician, an English- their memory. Others are happily still with us and we man and perhaps the greatest of all statisticians, can continue to benefit from their experience and William Farr, wrote a hundred years ago :" The ability. prolongation of the life of the people must become The end of the Second World War marked a revo- an essential part of family, municipal, and national lution, from all points of view, in the concept of policy " (and I am sure that if he had been writing health as a matter of international concern.Inter- today, he would have added " of international nationalism in the field of health emerged as an comity "). And then he went on :" Science indeed idea worthy of consideration whose final adoption can scarcely apprehend all the results and all the was imperative. modifications of society that would follow from the In 1923 in Portugal the eminent hygienist Ricardo extension of life to its natural limit. But science offers Jorge, a figure well known to the Office International no justification for despair " (and we, a hundred d'Hygiène Publique, wrote :" Internationalism in years later, know how magnificently science has the field of health has asserted itself like a vigorous helped to dispel that despair, and will continue to empire, and the peoples-beginning with the most do so). But in his concluding sentences, Farr quotes independent and highly developed -strive after a as 1 have quoted and he invokes that other voice vital and ever closer solidarity.All nations must from the past -the organ voice of the preacher. render an account to others of the diseases from ...and the voice of weeping shall be no more which they suffer and of the measures they are taking heard..., nor the voice of crying. There shall be to combat or prevent them; in the field of health a no more thence an infant of days, nor an old man man's house is no longer his castle -for the neigh- that hath not filled his days :for the child shall bours demand that his house be hygienic, clean and die an hundred years old... And they shall build open to inspection ... " houses, and inhabit them; and they shall plant Internationalism in the field of health took definite vineyards, and eat the fruit of them.They shall form, and the manner of implementing it was, as it FOURTH MEETING SI were, codified, when the World Health Organization on the absolute necessity for further development was set up. of health education. The year 1945 may be considered as the first impor- This definition of health called for a clear indication tant date, the year in which at the San Francisco of what was to be understood by " public health " Conference, the eminent Brazilian de Paula Souza -a concept which WHO was to interpret and trans- insisted that health should be mentioned in the form into a method of work.The need for this Charter of the United Nations, and when immediately was all the greater in that the old and purely defensive afterwards, along with the delegate of China, he methods, such as quarantine, had to be abandoned. proposed the convening of an International Health It was essential toorganize and apply positive Conference, which met in 1946 in New York. The methods, methods for the active combating of disease memory of de Paula Souza isstill fresh and it is and the promotion of health so that all the peoples of fitting, as we celebrate the tenth anniversary of WHO, the world might attain the highest possible level of that we should pause for a moment to recall one of health -due account being taken of the close relation- its founders -a man in whom the tact of the diplomat ship between health problems and economic and was combined with a natural graciousness. social conditions. We should also recall the basic principles which The concept of " public health " was still further governed the establishment of WINO. broadened when mental health, nutrition, medical The first principle is that of the universality of care and environmental hygiene found a place in health, so clearly expressed in the word " world ". the Constitution. This implies the need for solidarity and compre- The third principle -as important as thefirst hensive action to enable all peoples to attain the two- definesanddelimits WHO's methodsof highest possible level of health; health is considered operation and the extent to which it can intervene for as being as indivisible as peace and security.This the purpose of raising health standards. principle may be summed up by the affirmation that no one, wherever he may be, can consider himself WHO was created because of the primordial im- secure as long as disease exists in any part of the portance of international solidarity for the solution world. of health problems, whether of a permanent or emergency nature. The Organization aims at giving This concept of universality distinguishes WHO direct assistance to national health administrations, from all previous attempts at co- operation in the either by making available the necessary specialized fightagainstdisease;health problems must be technicians or by mobilizing the resources it has at solved at world level and it is only a completely its disposal for the solution of problems of an inter- co- operative effort in which all take part that can national character. It was made clear from the outset solve most of these problems. that WHO is not a supranational health administra- The second principle is found in the definition of tion to take the place of national health authorities the word " health ". Its negative character, " absence in the execution of their normal functions. of disease ", has been eliminated and a dynamic, positive sense substituted -that of " promotion of Finally, the system of regionalization was intro- health ", i.e. of the maximum potentiality of life.In duced and this felicitous step enabled the Organi- connexion with this same principle, it is important zation more easily to play its role as the directing and to remember that the " right to health " is included co- ordinating authority in international health work. in the Constitution -one of the fundamental rights After this rapid review of the fundamental prin- of all nations and an essential condition for effectively ciples which form the basis for WHO's work, we combating a common danger. cannot but rejoice to find that the first ten years of its Almost at the same time -on 10 December 1948 existence have consolidated those principles, thanks to be precise -the General Assembly of the United to the Organization's effective work -work which is Nations approved theUniversal Declaration of without equal inthe age -old annals of health. Human Rights, Article 25 of which definitely stipul- Portugal participates in the life of WHO with en- ated the right to health.Let us not forget, however thusiasm, and since the New York Conference it has -and this is extremely important -that the logical collaborated to the best of its ability in the pro- corollary to the " right to health " is the " duty to ceedings of all the Assemblies and of the Executive preserve health " :a code of rights always calls for Board.The large extent of my country's territory a code of duties as a counterpart. explains why we belong to four of the six regional This second principle is essentially related to the organizations, and why we have always taken part idea of education, as WHO is aware when it insists in the meetings of the Regional Committees for 52 TENTH ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATIVE SESSION

Europe, Africa, South -East Asia and the Western Mr Pyo Wook HAN (Republic of Korea) :It is Pacific. with a sense of profound responsibility that I inter- In our health campaigns we have not ignored the vene in this discussion to present a few observations directives of WHO, and today we are able to say that on behalf of my Government, the Government of the Aëdes aegypti has disappeared from Portugal and Republic of Korea, upon this occasion of the tenth that we have had no case of smallpox since 1955. anniversary of the World Health Organization. Malaria also has been practically eliminated from Many have praised it.Many more will do so. continentalPortugalandnegotiationsarewell The words of commendation that are uttered in this advanced for a proposed regional agreement with assemblyaresincereandsignificant -for they our Spanish neighbours, with the aim of consolidating bespeak the approval of sovereign and independent the eradication of this disease throughout the Iberian governments around the world for this great enter- Peninsula. prise in international co- operation.It would be a Our Government has not lost sight of requirements wonderful prospect for the future of the human race in the field of environmental sanitation : in addition if all our international affairs could be conducted to considerable work in providing water supplies for with the aura of success which has attended the urban and rural communities, a large -scale sewerage work of the World Health Organization. plan is being implemented. We are making every Compassion is a virtue admired and celebrated effort to raise the standards of our specialists still in every land, in every period of history, by every further by providing refresher courses in sanitary people, representing every race and every religion. engineering for municipal engineers; up tothe " Let there be love among us " is the basic theme of present time four of these courses have been organized every founder of the world's true religions.It is a and the WHO Regional Office for Europe has primary message of every ethical philosopher. And contributed to their success. The help given us was it is the deepest prayer that is uttered by the humblest of the greatest value and we are glad on this occasion of labourers and field workers as well. to express our gratitude. We have attempted in these few words to emphasize The peoples of the world are beset by problems the great step forward which the foundation of WHO of the utmost seriousness which we have not as yet represented, the immense work -as intensive as it learned how to solve -problems of political rivalry hasbeenfruitful -that hasbeenaccomplished and domination, problems of military ambition and during WHO's first ten years, and the interest which imperialism, problems of economic exploitation, Portugal takes in the present and future of the problems of racial, social and religious intolerance - Organization. and problems of jealousy and resentment, of distrust In conclusion, I would like to express publicly our and of antagonism.All around the world we are deep gratitude to those on whom the whole weight confronted by the dangerous circles of forces that of a very heavy task rests, but who nevertheless threaten human freedom and the dignity of man. accomplish that task efficiently, devotedly and in a These are the circles that shut us off from one another. spirit of self -sacrifice, with the sole aim of enhancing These are the circles of fear and of force that are the prestige of WHO, an organization which today erected and are maintained by armies and armaments is looked up to by its eighty -eight Member States. -circles of power that threaten us all with mutual Our grateful thanks go therefore to Dr Brock destruction. Chisholm, the Organization's first Director - General, But in this great and humane organization, the and to the present Director - General, Dr Marcolino World Health Organization, we have taken a signi- Candau. Nor would we forget the latter's collabo- ficant and hopeful step forward towards the great rators, the regional directors and the Secretariat - aim that is nurtured in the breast of all the common his brilliant general staff; they form the illustrious people of the world -a step towards the drawing of pillars of a vault which is spread protectively over an inclusive circle of humanitarianism and compas- the health of the world. sion, a circle large enough to take in the whole of the human race. The PRESIDENT :I thank the delegate of Portugal. In these few remarks I wish not only to speak for my Government and to express our formal and 4.Address by the Chief Delegate of the Republic of official approval of the work in which this organi- Korea zation is engaged.More than that, it is my duty The PRESIDENT :Icall on the delegate of the and my privilege to bring to you the heartfelt grati- Republic of Korea. tude of the whole of the Korean people. FOURTH MEETING 53

WHO is not a super -organization speaking to WHO personnel worked closely with UNKRA governments. It is a helping and a saving hand that on its $7 600 000 programme to install and expand stretches down and reaches into the villages and the health facilities in the Republic of Korea. The homes that are visited with destitution and suffering NationalMedicalCentreprojectinSeoul,to and disease. To the widow whose husband has been which Denmark, Sweden and Norway have gene- killed in war, to the orphans whose parents have rously contributed, is now under way with a $400 000 been lost, to the family that lives in want or that budget. Also, the National Rehabilitation Centre at faces the dread dangers of an epidemic disease, WHO Tongnae for physically handicapped persons has been is not a distant and abstract principle of internatio- completed. nal co- operation; itis a friendly man who comes From the long -range viewpoint, and perhaps most into that village and into that home with bandages important of all, are the provisions in the WHO and medicine, with food and with sustenance, with programme for the extension of fellowships to my healing skill and the wondrous redeeming miracle countrymen.I was especially pleased to note the of helpful love. 1958 fellowship projects in publichealth adminis- There is, perhaps, no nation on earth that has tration, vital and health statistics and the adminis- greater cause to know the real meaning of the World tration of maternal and child health programmes. Health Organization than Korea.During the war The 1959 fellowship projects should also be helpful of utter devastation that was visited upon us, we in the fields of parasitism control, leprosy control and public -health education and in the field of mental suffered two million human casualties.Ten million health.The end results of these fellowships will of our people were driven as refugees from their serve as a catalyst in our ever -improving national homes in the midst of a bleak and cold winter health programmes. without food, without medicines, without adequate Up till now, the major emphasis in Korea has clothing, and without shelter.Starvation and death from exposure were actual realities; and thousands been the curative aspects of national health. Now of our people died. we are well beyond the stop -gap in epidemic- fighting measures. Now we are looking forward to the But dreadful as this ordeal was, it would have longer -range preventive programmes. In this respect, been far worse had not the World Health Organiza- the WHO plans will assist us considerably.From tion come swiftly to our side with effective and time to time, we may call upon this organization merciful help.Scores of thousands of our people for additional help, should we have a sporadic who are now alive and leading useful and happy outbreak of a disease, such as we have had recently lives would not have survived except for this timely with our minor epidemic of encephalitis. aid.What more is there to say ? In this connexion,I want tostress the most The recital of even a few facts constitutes a tre- important aspect of all the WHO programmes and mendous tribute to the zeal and dedication of the contributions.That feature to which I wish to pay whole of WHO. In 1951, there were 43 000 cases particular tribute is the friendly and co- operative of smallpox, 32 000 cases of typhus and 81 000 cases way in which the WHO teams have visited Korea. of typhoid fever.With the complete and successful Always they listen carefully to our thinking and our control of the epidemics and with the help given us requests.Always our relationship has been one of to rehabilitate and reconstruct our heavily damaged free men seeking the help of other free men.This medical facilities,I am pleased to report that a kind of relationship is possible only in the atmosphere miracle has occurred since that time.During the of an organization devoted to peace and freedom. past year, throughout our entire nation, there were reported only 7 cases of smallpox, 188 cases of On behalf of my Government, and as the privileged typhus, and only 657 cases of typhoid fever. spokesman for our thirty million Korean people, I wish to express gratitudetothe World Health WHO has also been extremely active in its colla- Organization for what it has meant and does mean boration with otheractivitiessponsored by the to us. May its humanitarian and unifying principle United Nations in Korea.For example, last year UNICEF carried out a milk programme which strengthen and spread; for the hopes of humanity are deeply involved in the larger circle of brotherhood provided daily feedings for an average of 1 500 000 which it so well represents. children and nursing mothers. UNICEF also conducted refresher courses, from which 361 midwives The PRESIDENT :I thank the chief delegate of graduated during this past year. Korea. 54 TENTH ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATIVE SESSION

5.Address by the Chief Delegate of Lebanon of nations and of their harmonious relations and I call on the delegate of Lebanon. security. The PRESIDENT : It would be a lengthy task to list the achievements Dr ANOUTI (Lebanon) (translation from the French) : of WHO during its ten years' existence, but it will On the occasion of the tenth anniversary of the sufficeto recallitseffective contributions to the World Health Organization I am glad to pay tribute, drawing up and implementation of plans for work on behalf of Lebanon, to the spirit of unceasing in the field of preventive medicine, the assistance and co- operation displayed by Member States in the encouragement it has so generously provided for the work of this Organization throughout the first decade development of methods for combating epidemics, of its existence. Humanity has never before known and its activity in promoting and guiding research an international organization that has performed in the sphere of health. such fruitful work as WHO, and the preservation This decade will not only have been a glorious and promotion of health throughout the world will chapter in the annals of medical science; it will for ever owe much to its efforts. for ever stand out in history as marking an epoch It is therefore with great pleasure that I would of loyal co- operation and mutual assistance between remind you of the merit of those who first put the various nations of the world for the welfare of forward the idea of this organization. They endowed humanity as a whole. our age with a machine that is both intelligent and We should be only too happy if,to settle their beneficent, which has made it possible for nearly all differences, the peoples of the world were to adopt the peoples of the world to enjoy the benefits of the the same methods as are employed by the Member advances in medical science and of the improvement States of the World Health Organization.If they in health. did so, selfish aims would be replaced by good faith Their merit is, of course, largely shared by those and we should see the dawn of a new era of inter- who areresponsible forthe administrative and national understanding. scientific direction of WHO and who, conscious of Lebanon, which has had so happy an experience the importance and greatness of their task, have of the benefits of the World Health Organization, ensured the best possible utilization of the Organiza- feels it its duty to proclaim that, within the limits of tion. In this connexion we cannot forget those its possibilities, it will always be ready to help the " unknown soldiers " who have devoted themselves Organization to achieve its noble aim of raising all to the hard and thankless task of the struggle against peoples to the highest level of health. infectious diseases in places where they are endemic The PRESIDENT :I thank the delegate of Lebanon. and who have willingly braved the dangers of the jungle and the isolated regions of the world, far from all civilization, to carry the benefits of medical 6.Address by the Chief Delegate of Argentina science to those who were deprived of them.Let us pay our most sincere homage and express our The PRESIDENT :The delegate of Argentina has gratitude to all of them. the floor. The health of mankind does not depend solely on Dr ALLARIA (Argentina)(translation from the such factors as climate and nutrition, it also depends Spanish) :I would first express to the people and on psychological, social and moral conditions. The authorities of Minneapolis my sincere gratitude for respect of the dignity of the human person, the their generous hospitality, and I would like, through assurance of liberty and security -these are matters them, to send to the Government and people of the of quite as much importance and perhaps of even United States the cordial greetings of the Government greater importance to the health of the individual, and people of Argentina. and therefore of the nation, as food, clothing and Mr President and delegates,itisa particular housing. honour for Argentina to take part in the commemo- The World Health Organization is, of course, not ration of the tenth anniversary of WHO at a time directly responsible for the consolidation of peace when as a country it has begun a new constitutional in the world or for the protection of the natural era with the full restoration of rights and the effective rights of individuals or nations, but it is its duty to operation of its institutions.This special situation intervene with the other organizations more specifi- confers a freshsignificance and importance on cally concerned, so that they may discharge their Argentina's participation in this organization, bring- obligations relating to the moral aspects of health ingasthatcountry does tothisdistinguished which constitute the underlying basis of the happiness Assembly the practical contribution of a political FOURTH MEETING 55

concept that will guide the technical activities of its municipal, may co- operate in the solution of such national administration towards the lasting achieve- vitalproblemsasthoseconnected with infant ment of one of its most cherished rights : the health mortality, mental health, maternal and child health, of its inhabitants. nutrition, etc. Its previous participation in WHO and the Pan The national Ministry of Health and Welfare will American Sanitary Bureau has led to the implemen- ceasetobe abureaucratic,verticalinstitution, tationof various programmes suchasmalaria isolated in the Argentinian social environment for eradication, rabies control, local public -health ser- which it has to carry out an active educational vices, rehabilitation of poliomyelitis patients, training policy, consistent and unremitting, and inspire in of nurses, nutrition surveys, which are at present in its technical and auxiliary officials a positive social progress.The Government and health services will conscience in relation to the present health situation need immediately to examine the present position in our country. of those programmes so as to ensure that the activities Priority will be given to the training of teams of planned are in harmony with the development and health and social workers who willplantheir execution of the general health plans which the activities so that health problems may be solved competent bodies will shortly be establishing. where they arise,thus avoiding thetransfer of A few daysagotheArgentine Government individuals or families from one place to another, announced through the President of the Republic atransfer which may not onlydislocatesocial the general lines of its policy during its term of office. structures rooted in a given economic, social and The political, economic and social conditions of the culturalenvironment, but may,inturn,create country made it essential that the President's state- confusion in the receiving locality. ment should be realistic and contain concrete propo- Argentina's economic situation has been reflected sals.Argentina is anxious to bring about the full in various aspects of the social and health situation restoration of its democratic system based on a upon which the present authorities have already policy that takes as its starting point man and his commented.In particular, public health officials freedom :freedom tofeel, to think and to work, have laid emphasis on the problem of nutrition. and freedom to create and benefit from a system of Among other factors, our currency crisis and the social guarantees which will ensure the best living discrepancy between prices and wages have contri- and cultural conditions for everyone in the country buted to the state of malnutrition and ill- health noted without distinction of any kind. in wide sectors of the population.Faced with this Starting from a clearly defined economic and fact, it is the firm intention of the Government and social policy, encouragement must be given to every- of the competent departments to assess the nutrition thing which will contribute to the nation's technical, problem and to promote programmes to make more moral and cultural progress and obtain for men the food available and ensure maximum facilities for its highest possible level of health and well- being. acquisition and consumption. The Argentine Government has accepted WHO's The Argentine Government does not consider that definition of health. On that basis it has begun to action should be taken exclusively by government work out overall and co- ordinated plans for the departments; on the contrary it believes it essential various public authorities on a flexible federal basis that the community itself make unremitting efforts with operational decentralization. to maintain a high standard of health.Individuals The immediate aims are to bring up to date and must be continuously encouraged to play an active improve the system of medical care, good from the part by giving them a real knowledge of the problems, individual viewpoint, until a service has been orga- so as to develop personal and collective awareness nized that will reach the remotest corners of the of the benefits of good health, and direct the efforts Republic and provide every social category, however to attain those benefits along the right lines. Medical humble, with the same facilities and thesame and health work will be supplemented and completed efficient care. by social welfare activities so that individual and Alongside the social welfare activities, health pro- community living standards may be improved. grammes will be developed to eliminate the conditions My country is at a point in its history which marks which cause and favour endemic and epidemic the beginning of a new era in which it is called upon diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis, leprosy, rabies, to achieve a destiny full of promise in an atmosphere Chagas' disease, etc. of freedom and justice, while at the same time There will be co- ordination of activities so that zealously defending its sovereignty. The Government thevariousauthorities,national,provincial and has stated unreservedly that Argentina " must place 56 TENTH ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATIVE SESSION

itself at the service of the Latin -American brother- decided on a health organization for the entire hood for the promotion of understanding between world. The aim of the new world -wide organization, all its peoples and for the preservation of an inter- health and well -being for all, could never give rise national moral law based on freedom, democracy, to antagonism or discussion. But that could not be peace,progress,self -determination and complete said of the ways and the means required to be chosen sovereignty of each and every nation on a basis of absolute equality ". for attaining that aim. The tasks to be set, and the My country must and will remain a member of the conditions of working, might be so different -even international organizations, both the political ones between countries closely related -that one would and those for cultural, technical, social and humani- naturally be sceptical of reaching a working fellow- tarian co- operation, since they constitute an effective ship in an assembly of the world's nations, even if link between individuals and nations and shorten the the goal were a common one. road to that universal peace which is the desire of all. However, the Health Committee of the old League Argentina will continue to be a Member of WHO of Nations provided a well- founded hope that the and the Pan American Sanitary Organization and experiment might succeed.Out of the loss of that will be glad and honoured to play its part in any of their various bodies. But it must be made clear that committee arose a demand not only for a restoration my country has a deep and long -felt desire to fulfil but for a more intense, more comprehensive interna- itself. Its people long for action and yearn for tional co- operation for world health. That was why progress; they know themselves to be hard -working the proposal for a world health organization, made and capable of the greatest effort to achieve national by Dr de Paula Souza of Brazil, was received with progress.The Government of Argentina wishes to such great enthusiasm and the new organization with make use of them for the benefit of the country. such unbounded confidence and such great hopes. It isits declared intention to utilize honest and Differences in national premises have naturally capable men, to repatriate its technicians and offer given rise to discussions, often sharp discussions; but them every opportunity to contribute to the progress through them, and through co- operation, a mutual of the Republic,with theguarantee that their understanding of each other's conditions and prob- patriotic work will receive due recognition. lems has grown up and grown strong, an under- Argentina also the number standing which has gradually become capable of of its scientists and technicians by applying for and bridging deep gaps and turning cool reserve into granting fellowships.It will also seek the help of friendships. consultants and experts and work out plans for technical co- operation with neighbouring countries The initial difficulties were overcome. In a surpris- and international organizations, with a view to an ingly short time we found our feet in this fellowship intensive scientific and cultural exchange. -this fellowship for which we each felt so great a Gentlemen, the Government of my country wished responsibility -and the result was that ideas and to be represented at this meeting so that it might plans could be converted intoeffective work in express its appreciation of the work of WHO and practical life.I am sure that today we are all in of PASO and declare its intention of continuing its favour of expressing our gratitude to the executive membership. Now that the Argentine people have heads of the World Health Organization during the reverted to the path of law and democracy, aware past ten years, Dr Brock Chisholm and Dr Candau, of the responsibility which they are assuming they to the regional directors and to the whole of their wish to play a leading part in the historic phase now large staff of able and efficient assistants. opening -and which in the not too distant future Today, the chief worry of the Organization is the will be bright with freedom, peace and justice -and budget, the matter of procuring funds sufficient for to participate fraternally in a free and democratic the wealth of tasks lying ahead of us; that, I think, world. is the surest sign of the success in the Organization. The PRESIDENT : I thank the delegate of Argentina. Itissomewhatunusual,perhapssomewhat presumptuous too, to plan a celebration for such 7.Address by the Chief Delegate of Denmark a short period as the first decade.Nevertheless I consider it right to do so, to stop for a moment The PRESIDENT : I call on the delegate of Denmark. and put on record that in the course of these ten Dr FRANDSEN (Denmark) :It was a bold experi- years WHO has grown strong, and has become an ment to start out on, when the United Nations indispensable part of the international co- operation FOURTH MEETING 57

in the service of world peace which is helping to trol, maternal and child health, and malaria eradi- create friendship among the nations.It encourages cation, are now well -established departments and the belief that we are on the right road to the common sections in our Ministry of Health.These are fully goal, and it gives strength and inspiration for the equipped and staffed with highly trained personnel, work ahead of us. some of whom have benefited from the WHO fellow- The Danish people and the Danish Government ship programme.We also expect that additional send their greetings to the World Health Organiza- projects, which are now in the pilot stage, will soon tion, to the Assembly and to the Director - General, bear fruit.It is clear that part of the progress in the with their best wishes for a happy future with a field of health in Iraq, especially in preventive and successful outcome of the work. social medicine, is the result of the help given by this organization, and by its sister organizations, notably The PRESIDENT : 1 thank the chief delegate of UNICEF. Denmark. Iraq in the last ten years has made great progress in overall development, and health has been given a high priority. 8.Address by the Delegate of Iraq During this period the budget for healthadministrationhasrisenfrom1 300 000 The PRESIDENT : The delegate of Iraq has the floor. Iraqi dinars to 5 300 000 dinars (each Iraqi dinar equals one pound sterling) -an increase of slightly Dr IBRAHIM (Iraq) :It is an honour for me and my more than 300 per cent.Similarly, the number of delegation to represent our country at this historic hospital beds has more than doubled, and the number meeting, and to bring you the greetings and best of dispensaries has increased by 38 per cent. A wishes of the Government and the people of Iraq. corresponding increase in health personnel of all It is a special honour for our country that the Assem- categories has taken place.The local provincial bly last year saw fit to elect you, Mr President, to an administrations,withtheirindependent budgets, office in which you would be called upon to preside have also made significant forward strides in the at this special session for the commemoration of the development of their health programmes. tenth anniversary of WHO. In Iraq the degree of progress in certain aspects Having been granted the privilege of addressing of health during the past decade is best exemplified this assembly, I will not presume on your valuable by the campaign against malaria. time by citing the range of impressive achievements Our country, ravaged for years by this disease, launched a control of this organization.These are best summarized in an excerpt from Dr Candau's address for World programme in 1947 on a small scale.In 1953 the Health Day, which reads :" What ten years ago programme was expanded through the combined was little more than fine words on paper has now efforts of the Government, WHO, and UNICEF to become a living reality ".We have already heard the point where, by 1957, the reported number of an excellent review of this work by you, Mr President, cases of malaria had dropped to one -third of the and by the previous speakers, and I am sure most former level, and this trend moves steadily toward of us have read about it in the book, The First Ten the goal of complete eradication by 1961. Years of the World Health Organization. With continued guidance and co- operation from Therefore, Mr President, 1 will avail myself of this this organization, I am certain that further progress opportunity to congratulate the World Health Orga- will be achieved in the development of Iraq's total nization, and to express my country's appreciation health programme. for what has been done in these ten years.I shall Mr President, may I associate my delegation with limit my remarks to a brief summary of the benefits all those who spoke before me in expressing our deep which have accrued to my country as the result appreciation to the United States Government, the of WHO collaboration during this period, and to an State of Minnesota, and the City of Minneapolis expression of our gratitude for this co- operation, for their warm hospitality.I would conclude by with a special word of thanks tothe Director - repeating our congratulations, and by expressing our General and all his staff. firm conviction that the enhancement of the health WHO assistance in the development of several and happiness of mankind throughout the world is health projects in Iraq has served as an impulse and assured under the aegis and leadership of the World catalysttoournationalhealthadministration. Health Organization. Several projects initiated jointly with WHO, such as bejel and venereal disease control, tuberculosis con- The PRESIDENT :I thank the delegate of Iraq. 58 TENTH ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATIVE SESSION

9.Address by the Chief Delegate of Spain triumph of mankind's common and co- operative task of conquering disease and ill- health. The PRESIDENT :The delegate of Spain has the Distinguished preceding speakers have enlarged floor. on the basic and lofty concepts of the World Health Professor GARCÍA ORCOYEN (Spain) (translation Organization, namely :its universality of purpose; from the Spanish) :On the occasion of the tenth the future of the discovery of precise etiology and anniversary of the establishment of the World Health specifictherapy of diseases;and theunlimited Organization, Spain joins in the satisfaction felt by horizon of nuclear medicine.Now, at the Tenth all at the achievements of the past ten years and Anniversary Commemorative Session, permit me to expresses heart -felt wishes for a fruitful continuation dealspecificallywiththeassistance WHO has of the Organization's work. given to my country, as a positive translation into Spain has always been profoundly aware of the action of the ideals of WHO. importance of all work of a world -wide nature, In the Western Pacific, the Region in which the especially when its purpose is to promote the highest Philippines -my country -is geographically situated, human values.For this reason, participation in the masses of our people are now feeling the global WHO is a pleasant obligation for our country; and impact of the work of the World Health Organization. we wish to bear witness to this in these lands of Ten years ago when theyfirst saw theinitials America to which Spain brought, with its explorers, " WHO " they did not know its meaning or what it a high concept of life which gave special attention did. Now they know and they feel or experience the to the achievements of culture, welfare and public impact of its work upon their health.Here is the health. story : Thus the names of Antonio de Mendoza, Francisco In 1948 a Unitarian mission under the auspices de Toledo, Moya de Contreras and many others are of WHO was sent to the Philippines.There was a associated with the foundation of the first hospitals tuberculosis expert, a venereologist, a cardiologist, on the American continent.They founded univer- an endocrinologist and a neuro- surgeon in the mission. sities that ante -date many European ones and where, They worked in the medical schools, in hospitals, among other sciences, medicine and its application and among the people in the communities. In a for the public good was studied. country which at the time was making a recovery Our country was one of the first in the field in the from the holocaust of a devastating war that had treatment of malaria, studying and making known set medicine and public health twenty years back, the use of quinines; and it brought to this continent, they gave to the medical schools and to the medical in costly sanitary expeditions, the good tidings of profession, by lectures and demonstrations,the smallpox vaccination. latest in their respective specialty or discipline. We In keeping therefore with this tradition, and for have been able since then to keep up with the pace present reasons that are well known, we wish to in these fields. reaffirm on this occasion our faith in the work of In 1949 a rural health demonstration and training the World Health Organization and our readiness centre was established in Quezón City.Since its to continue to serve its aims. establishment the centre has given and continues to givetrainingtophysicians,nurses,midwives, The PRESIDENT : I thank the chief delegate of Spain. sanitarians, health educators, dentists, nutritionists and undergraduate students in medicine, hygiene, 10.Address by the Chief Delegate of the Philippines nursing and midwifery in rural public health.It started as the nucleus and is now one of the five The PRESIDENT :The delegate of the Philippines regional trainingcentresestablishedinstrategic has the floor. areas in the country. Dr GARCÍA (Philippines) :I wish to convey to In 1950 mass BCG immunization was started in you the greetings of my government and extend the the Philippines. There was a WHO consultant same to the Government and people of the United and a BCG production laboratory was also set up States of America, the State of Minnesota, and this with technical guidance from WHO.The mass scenic city of Minneapolis. As my delegation joins phase of the programme is past and it is now carried you on this historically significant occasion, we carry out on a selective basis.The result of the work is our people's wish that the celebration of the tenth yet to be statistically evaluated. anniversary of the World Health Organization be 1951 is a red -letter date in the relations of the recorded and marked as the initial but substantial Philippines with WHO. This was the year when the FOURTH MEETING 59 headquarters of the Regional Office for the Western regarded as catalysts. They have hastened reactions Pacific was establishedinManila, making this in the health field that have led to the strengthening, metropolitan city in the Philippines the nerve centre expansion and new development of services.In the of the activities of WHO within the Region.The last of these reactions the Philippines is now in the rapid expansion of these activities has made accom- stageof transition. Public health services and modation attheoriginalheadquartersbuilding administration are being decentralized and atall inadequate.Early this year construction started on levels of operation maximum efforts at total inte- a new building for the Regional Office. It is expected gration are being exerted. The reorganization of the to be finished before the end of the year. The Department of Health of the Philippines, which building when completed will stand as a monument is now under way, is based on these concepts. to the Philippines' positive adherence to WHO and It may be asked : What reference has this story to to the role which the Organization plays in the health the tenth anniversary of the World Health Organi- of the peoples within the Region. zation ? The referenceisdirect and immediate. In 1952 two pilot projects of tremendous importance World health is built up from the sum of the health to health problems in the country were started. in the individual countries.The whole is strong One was a residual DDT -spraying project in the only in as much as its parts maintain and promote malaria- endemic island of Mindoro and the other a theirstrength. Unequal development in health bilharziasis- control project at Palo in the island of and in the control of disease is a common danger. Leyte. In both there were WHO experts. The The danger will be minimized and can be completely experts in the bilharziasis pilot project are still with eliminated by equalizing the positive developments us. The results of the residual DDT spraying on the in all the countries of the world.That is what we island of Mindoro were the basis of the immediate in the Philippines are doing. launching of a nation -wide malaria campaign that was able to reduce malaria as a major health problem. The PRESIDENT : Thank you, Dr García. Since last year we have shifted to eradication and are now in the phase of preparing for surveillance work.The results of the bilharziasis- control pilot 11.Address by the Chief Delegate of Italy projecthave been publishedinseveral WHO documents. The measures that were tried and found The PRESIDENT :The delegate of Italy has the effective are now ready for application in wider floor. areas. Professor CANAPERIA (Italy) : It is a great privilege In 1953 an exchange programme was established for me to speak before this audience, in this country between the Institute of Hygiene, University of the which has played and continues to play such a Philippines,and theJohns HopkinsUniversity prominent role in international co- operation, in this School of Public Health. WHO was in this pro- State of Minnesota which is a leader in the field gramme, as was the Rockefeller Foundation.The of medical education and health activities, on this programme has immensely strengthened the teaching solemn occasion in which we celebrate the tenth and research work at our Institute of Hygiene. anniversary of the World Health Organization. The limitation of time will not permit me to go My memory goes back toanother ceremony into further details, of which there are still many. which took place in this same country twelve years However, I would like to mention venereal disease agowhen,followingtheInternationalHealth and treponematosis control, mental health, health Conference in New York, I had the pleasure to education of the public, nutrition, medical education, sign on behalf of my Government the Constitutional public health administration, fellowships in prac- Act of WHO. In a world torn by one of the most ticallyallthe fundamental disciplinesinpublic devastating wars ever experienced, the public health health, and finally the various inter -country pro- leaders there convened made an act of faith, stating grammes. I should also not overlook the very in our Constitution that unequal health development important contribution of the United States Inter- in different countries is a common danger and that national Co- operation Administration, of UNICEF, the health of all peoples is fundamental to the and of the United Nations Technical Assistance attainment of peace and security. Administration, in the total implementation of all Having had the opportunity and the pleasure of these programmes. following very closely the work of the Organization The chapters of WHO's story in the Philippines since its inception, I must say today that such con- in its first decade would, in the realm of science, be fidence was well -placed. In these ten years of 60 TENTH ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATIVE SESSION activity, thanks to the efforts and wisdom of the a period of early maturity in a rapidly changing world two Directors - General who guided WHO, and to the in which we are challenged by new health problems skill and devotion of all the members of the Secre- created by industrialization, by the growing tension tariat, a very solid instrument, capable of ensuring of modern life, by modification of the social structure, the effective operation of highly technical services by the atomic era. We must look ahead and try to throughout the world, has been established and foresee from the experience gained through these progressively improved. The traditional central past ten years thedirecting lines which should activities of headquarters have been harmoniously guide our activities in future work.I would like to integrated with the work done in the countries recall here the statement made by Dr Rocco Santo - through the regionaloffices,thusenabling the liquido, representing my country in the Office Inter- Organization to decentralize its activities and at the national d'Hygiène Publique in Paris, when he opened same time to maintain a unified policy. as President the first session of the Office after the Today we have an organization which is universal, First World War in June 1919. He said that the chief which has won confidence and prestige. Its operations guarantee of international security from disease lay in extend to almost every part of the globe, and they the standard of public health of each national unit. are affecting the health and well -being of the world's The idea of erecting barriers against diseases was population. outmoded, and the concept of quarantine should The development of WHO has not been the result be regarded as an obsoletescientificsuperstition. of a lucky improvisation but has been built on the Endemic foci of communicable diseases should be solid foundation of technical experience upon which circumscribed and obliterated, and such action pre- methods and instruments of health policy must be supposed a considerable and rational development based. Great advances in medical sciences have of national health services. But it was not sufficient offered a splendid opportunity for the work of the that the health services should be developed and Organization, which has been able to provide an reorganized. The population must acceptthe efficient clearing ground for the pooling of infor- necessity for the measures taken.This implied that mation and knowledge and its practical application they must understand them, and understanding to the solution of the different health problems. We could come only by education of the public. have indeed a great deal to learn from each other's These considerations, made almost forty years experiences. ago, still hold true today. Strengthening of national I will not attempt to review the stages through health services and development of health education which WHO has passed since its establishment, the activities -these appear to me to be the directing fundamental trends in its development, the results so lines which should guide our work, the common far achieved.We must remember that in health goals towards which all our programmes should activities very seldom can we expect spectacular converge. They have a common denominator - results. The achievements are slow and progressive, the availability of an adequate number of properly reached step by step.Any progress if it is to be trainedmedical andauxiliarypersonnel. The definite and consolidated must be accompanied shortage of such personnel is, and will be for several by a parallel improvement of the social and economic years, one of the greatest obstacles to the efficient conditions of the communities concerned. development of health services.The training of Ten years of life is a very short period for an inter- health personnel is a long -term programme, and we national agency. Its age may be compared to that of should devote the best of our efforts to this end. a ten -years -old child, whose physical and psycho- However, the problem is not only one of quantity. logical development is familiar to us all.It is an It is also important to improve quality and adapt age in which a child begins to assume personality. professional training to the new responsibilities which It is its most trying and richest period, for it is one have to be taken by the medical profession in the of adjustment of its potentialities.It is a period of modern world. " forward look ".This WHO child has a strong The basis of our work is the individual, the family, heritage :its early problems were well met, and the community. We must work for them and with significant events have had theireffect upon its them.If we want to promote better health, the character. Thus hasitgained knowledge and understanding and the co- operation of the population strength. is of primary importance. One of the happy pro- But WHO, like a ten -year -old, is today facing a visions in our charter expresses the need for co- opera- world which has grown so big so fast, or rather so tion with all the non -governmental organizations small so fast.It is like an adolescent today facing working in the broad field of public health.The FOURTH MEETING 61 support that those voluntary agencies can give us in the improvement of public health and welfare. stimulating interest in the public opinion towards The experience of the past ten years has shown the our programmes, in promoting the co- operation great benefit that can be derived from co- operation and support of the community, is of great value. between nations. A great number of the com- The success of our efforts will benefit very much from municable diseases are on the way out, and other this co- operation. diseases previously considered fatal are yielding to Mr President, I am concluding these few remarks. cure or losing their importance, thanks tothe I would like to state that we ought to be very pleased discovery of new drugs, sera and vaccines.Con- to have at our disposal an efficient instrument for sequentlythegeneralmortalityrateisrapidly eradicating some of the most important diseases declining. which still affect the health of millions of people, for Nevertheless, ' many urgent health questions still bringing many others under an effective measure of remain to be studied in common, for a danger to control, for promoting better health.The world health in one country can no longer be considered perhaps has not yet realized the great potentialities a local danger, but is one which can quickly become of an international organization such as WHO, has general.It is thus our duty constantly to intensify not yet taken full advantage of its possibilities.If our co- operation so that the World Health Organi- it does so, in the next ten years we shall take a great zation may continue to carry out its noble tasks with step forward towards building a better and happier the same enthusiasm and the same responsibility world. as in the past ten years. Finally, on behalf of the Government of the The PRESIDENT :I thank the delegate of Italy. Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan,I would like to thank the Government of the United States of 12.Address by the Chief Delegate of the Hashemite America, which has invited us to celebrate the tenth Kingdom of Jordan anniversary of the World Health Organization in this country, and also the authorities of the State of The PRESIDENT :I call upon the delegate of the Minnesota and those of the City of Minneapolis, Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. which is caring for our comfort during our stay in Dr NABULSI (Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan) this pleasant town. I would also thank the Director - (translation from the French) : At this time, when it is General of WHO, the Regional Director for the the desire of every nation to reach the utmost in Eastern Mediterranean and their staffs for the help scientific progress, we feel the need for deep and which they have given and which they continue to sound co- operation among the peoples.This need give to all countries.Nor must I forget the other has made itself felt everywhere and has driven organizations, national and international, such as humanity, after the hard experience of the centuries, the United Nations Children's Fund, the United to set up a number of international organizations to Nations Relief and Works Agency, and the Point 4 ensure peace and well -being to all without distinction. Programme, which have contributed to the improvement of health in my country.I trust that the years The events which have followed on the establish- to come will demonstrate the ability of science to ment of the various internationalorganizations overcome those serious diseases which, even today, during recent years are sufficient to show the great remain the great health problems of mankind. progress accomplished for the welfare of humanity. Of these organizations, there is one that has shown The PRESIDENT : Thank you, Dr Nabulsi. itself of incomparable worth and which, in the space of ten years, has enabled peoples everywhere to make more progress than they would have made in centuries 13.Address by the Chief Delegate of Ethiopia if left to their own devices.The World Health The PRESIDENT : The delegate of Ethiopia has the Organization, whose tenth anniversary we celebrate floor. today, constitutes a link between the various countries through the medium of their health authorities.It Mr TSEGHi4 (Ethiopia) :I considerita unique has played the most important part in the rapid and privilege to convey to the World Health Organization effective control of the communicable diseases and on its tenth anniversary the personal message of my the great scourges of humanity.It has helped all august Sovereign King, the Emperor Haile Selassie, nations, and especially those countries which are as and of the Ethiopian people. Itisuniversally yet under -developed or in the process of economic recognized that my august Sovereign, His Imperial and health development, to undertake projects for Majesty Haile Selassie I, Emperor of Ethiopia, has 62 TENTH ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATIVE SESSION long and enthusiastically supported the ideals of rural populations, and has not been directed solely universal brotherhood, international co- operation, at a limited urban group. and the principle that the nations of the world form To enhance these efforts, Ethiopia regularly sends a single coherent and interrelated family. Even when delegates to the World Health Assemblies, where Ethiopia was overrun by a foreign invader, His healthproblemspeculiartoeachcountryare Imperial Majesty never abandoned his faith in and discussed, and where ideas and experiences are his aspirations for his people and for the future of the pooled to ensure the most effective measures for international organizations devoted to the achieve- combating disease and maintaining optimum health. ment of international security.Firmly convinced With respect to the programmes in which WHO that, eventually, the world would recognize that if has participated in my country, we have appreciated one nation suffers,all must suffer, His Imperial in particular the undergraduate fellowships and the Majesty retained throughout his enthusiasm for field projects which have been carried on systema- the ultimate family unity of mankind. tically. Some of these projects may be specially In modern times, Ethiopia has sought and enjoyed mentioned here. the closest links with the international organizations Leprosy control, which started on a small scale devoted to the aims of peace, world -wide security, ten years ago, how grown substantially to a point and economic, cultural and social development. where specialized care is being provided for more Ethiopia was one of the founder Members of the and more of the 150 000 sufferers from this disease United Nations and, within the framework provided in Ethiopia. by the United Nations, was one of the first countries BCG vaccination has been carried out on a mass to sign and accept the Constitution of the World basis, and complete coverage has been afforded among Health Organization. Ethiopia has proudly sub- urban populations and in areas located near main scribed to the nine principles formulated in the roads in Ethiopia. preamble to WHO's Constitution; and the modern Venereal disease pilot projects are being carried on concept of health as stated in the preamble -which in different parts of the country and will eventually is well known to all of us here -has secured the alle- develop into a nation -wide programme. giance and devotion of the public -health authorities The three malaria pilot projects, carried out in of my country. The regulations promulgated by the co- operation with the International Co- operation Ethiopian Ministry of Public Health reflect the true Administration, have demonstrated that the inter- concept of good health through the prevention of ruption of the transmission of malaria by house - disease, adequate sanitation and proper nutrition, spraying is technically feasible. This is the first time health education, including mental health, and the that such success has been achieved in a Central use of both social and medical techniques to achieve African country, south of the Sahara.After a year good health. of assessing the results obtained to date and the From WHO's very inception, the Ministry of carrying on in a specified area of further research, Public Health of Ethiopia has enjoyed the closest of Ethiopia should be ready for a country -wide eradi- relations with it, relations which have been marked cation programme.Ethiopia also expects during by cordiality and mutual sympathy and under- this year to work out a programme of co- ordination standing. In 1946 the Interim Commission of WHO among the various agencies involved in this project. sent a field mission to Ethiopia. One of the results A mobile health team has been engaged in conduc- of this mission was a general recognition that a ting studies throughout Ethiopia to develop detailed lack of general and medical attention hampered the information as to the various diseases prevailing in proper development of public health in Ethiopia. different parts of the country and to devise the most The field mission recommended as a task of the first economical and efficacious means of combating them. priority the building up of a system of medical Preliminary results of the survey indicate that many education aimed atelevating thestandards for diseases can best be attacked by the development of orderlies, the formal education of medical assistants, a network of health centres and peripheral health and the providing of medical education at higher clinics. levels.The education of professional nurses was The Haile Selassie I Public Health College and initiated, and subsequently training has been pro- Training Centre, a joint medical educational project, vided for health officers, community nurses, sanitary has been established by the Ministry of Public Health technicians and similar para- professional workers. in co- operation with WHO, UNICEF and the United It is worth noting that in Ethiopia the public health States International Co- operation Administration. programme has been designed to provide services to This institution is training medical team workers as FOURTH MEETING 63 health officers, community nurses, sanitarians, and enabled us to control endemic diseases such as medical assistants to staff the network of health smallpox, plague, typhus, malaria and leprosy, and centres and clinics being established throughout the already great strides are being made towards the country. control of tuberculosis and other health problems. A tuberculosis demonstration and training centre Free medical services are available for those who and a communicable- eye- disease control project are cannot afford to pay for them, and in our land of well under way. great distances no one is too far away to benefit These are but some of the ways in which WHO's from the best medical attention the country can efforts have attained tangible results in my country. provide. WHO's record in other countries is equally impres- With full knowledge of what still remains to be sive. No one here can doubt the benefits which the done, the Union of South Africa is proud to report Organization has, through its efforts, bestowed upon what it has achieved in the field of health, conscious the peoples of the world. On this solemn occasion, that this presents only one small aspect of a world the Ethiopian delegation, on behalf of His Imperial undertaking, but at the same time realizing that the Majesty and the Ethiopian people, is happy to join brilliance of a precious stone arises from the reflection with all other countries in pledging anew their faith of its many facets. in the principles upon which this organization is May the craftsmen entrusted with the burnishing founded, principles which are basic to the happiness, of the gem of health succeed in polishing every one harmonious relations and unity of all peoples. of its many facets to such perfection that from it will emanate a better understanding among the peoples The PRESIDENT :I thank the delegate of Ethiopia. of the world; for without this a lasting peace and the security of all people cannot be achieved. 14.Address by the Chief Delegateof the Union of The PRESIDENT : Thank you, Dr Le Roux. South Africa

The PRESIDENT :I call upon thedelegate of the 15.Address by the Chief Delegate of Cambodia Union of South Africa. The PRESIDENT : The delegate of Cambodia has Dr Du PRÉ LE Roux (Union of South Africa) : the floor. I am indeed privileged to be present here today as the representative of one of the sixty -one nations Dr SONN MAM (Cambodia) (translation from the whichparticipatedintheInternationalHealth French) :The celebration of the tenth anniversary Conference held in New York during 1946, at which of WHO seems to me a suitable occasion to speak the Constitution of the World Health Organization of achievements in Cambodia in the field of public was drawn up.Since ratifying the Constitution in health, and it is a great honour for me to speak to 1947, my country, the Union of South Africa, has this Assembly on the activities of the World Health been privileged to play its part in the activities of the Organization in my country.I had the privilege of Organization, and it is indeed a great honour to be seeing the beginning of these activities -somewhat present at this gathering of nations which has been tentative at the outset -when Dr Yofé constituted called together to commemorate the tenth anniver- our first, one -man, WHO team. He was not only sary of the establishment of WHO, an organization team -chief, but also his own adviser and secretary; which by its very achievements has demonstrated all he had to rely on was the great ideal inspiring him. that, whatever their differences in other spheres may In Cambodia we shall always remember this excellent be, the nations of the world are anxious to work man who introduced to us the international public - together towards fulfilment of the high ideals which health methods which are characteristic of the World the founders of the Organization had in mind in Health Organization.Since then many teams have drawing up its charter. been sent from Geneva and Manila to Cambodia In an earnest attempt towards playing its full part and they have considerably raised the public -health in this world fellowship of health, the Government standards of the country. of the Union of South Africa now devotes approxi- In the first place, WHO paid particular attention to mately 8 per cent. of its total budget, or $8 per head the problems of malaria, which, although important, per annum, to the preventive and curative health are not among the most important, seeing that mala- services of its 14 000 000 population.This, together ria is prevalent in the sparsely populated areas and with the availability of competent and dedicated rare among the dense populations along the river medical officers, nurses, and other technicians, has banks. The results obtained are nevertheless not to 64 TENTH ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATIVE SESSION be under -estimated. Of Cambodia's5 000 000 The setting -up of demonstration and rural health inhabitants, 800 000 live in malarial regions, and centres is of paramount importance in our country, DDT spraying operations have covered hundreds of where sufficient medical personnel are to be found villages and improved the living conditions of half only in the capital. The results obtained with centres a million Cambodians.Malaria control by means of this type created by WHO in the Philippines, of residual insecticides, which began in the regions Burma, Taiwan and Thailand augur well for the most affected by malaria, is today continuing in the work of the centre established in Takhmau, work form of malaria eradication campaigns throughout which will, we hope, be extended until all the pro- the country. vinces are covered. The introduction of maternal and child health This project and the campaign for the health work is one of WHO's most valuable achievements. education of the public are among the most effective On the one hand, the Organization has given ins- undertaken by the World Health Organization. truction in modern methods of protecting the health Briefly,it may be stated that WHO's work in of mothers and children and improved the training in Cambodia has covered all the basic publichealth obstetrics and puericulture in the schools of nursing problems- control of trachoma, yaws and malaria; and midwifery in Phnom -Penh; on the other hand, organization of maternal and child health and school it has instituted courses in paediatrics at the Royal health services; remarkable improvements in the field School of Medicine and improved facilitiesfor of medical education; effective and promising results studying obstetrics and gynaecology. These activities in the training of nurses; finally, the laying of foun- have culminated in the setting up of a children's hos- dations for the adoption in Cambodia of interna- pital in Phnom -Penh and in the institution of school tional health standards in accord with the laws of health services, at present functioning in the capital epidemiology. Allthisrepresents an immense and which it is hoped to extend to the provinces. achievement which does great honour to those who Problems connected with the training of nurses have been instrumental in its accomplishment. have been among those of the greatest concern to The PRESIDENT : I thank the delegate of Cambodia. successive ministries of health in Cambodia. It may nevertheless be said that the creation by WHO of a school for male and female nurses and for midwives 16.Address by the Chief Delegate of Austria in Phnom -Penh has provided a satisfactory and effective solution to this problem, and as a result there The PRESIDENT : The delegate of Austria has the will be a rapid improvement in nursing standards floor. in the country. Professor BREITENECKER (Austria) : On the tenth There has been a remarkable development of anniversary of the existence of WHO, I wish, on medical training in Cambodia.The very modest behalf of Austria, to give an account of work done school for officiers de santé set up in 1946 had by in the field of health in my country. In the first part 1953 become a fully -fledged medical school, the of my address I shall refer to the help of WHO, for Royal School of Medicine, which this year has been which we are so grateful.In the second part I shall transformed into a Faculty of Medicine.WHO mention the contribution of the Austrian medical provided very substantial assistance :it undertook schools and the Austrianhealth administration the creation of several Chairs, awarded fellowships towards the attainment of the high aims of WHO. to students, and supplied a considerable amount of Austria was already represented by an observer scientific equipment for our University School of at the International Health Conference, held in New Medicine.In this field, WHO's assistance supple- York in 1946, when the Organization was founded. mented that of the Government of Cambodia, the My country became a full Member in 1947, and in United States of America, and France. 1948 was included in the Expanded Programme of The BCG vaccination campaigns organized by Technical Assistance at the Second World Health WHO in Cambodia were most necessary and welcome Assembly, in Rome.This saw the commencement since previously there were practically no means of of instructional as well as material help for a country tuberculosis control, with the exception of the very which, although certainly not under -developed, had inadequate tuberculosis services at the Préah Ket been very hard hit by the war, and for a population Méaléa Hospital, and a single tuberculosis clinic at endangered by epidemics and malnutrition. Phnom -Penh.The results obtained are as follows : After the initial consolidation of health conditions 1 004 073 persons tested; 450 377 persons vaccina- by makeshift methods, the generous assistance of ted; tuberculin reactor rate, 50.3 per cent. WHO commenced in the field of instruction and FOURTH MEETING 65 training- assistance so urgently needed by Austria governing hospital institutions as a whole. Nearing after years of isolation from advances in international completion are drafts of laws on vaccination against science.Fellowships for medical specialists to study poliomyelitis, also on a voluntary basis, and for abroad were awarded and leading foreign scientists protectionagainstionizingradiation,withthe undertook lecture trips in Austria.Numerous gifts corresponding regulations on the use of isotopes of books, instruments and apparatus made it possible in medicine, industry and agriculture. Special atten- to catch up with new scientific achievements. tion is being given to a new law on working hours, Turning to material help, a Scandinavian team to combating alcoholism and occupational diseases, carried out BCG vaccination and we received drugs and to the prevention of accidents. and wagon -loads of cod -liver oil.With the help of In addition, legislative measures have been taken UNICEF we have organized a far -reaching distri- to create the necessary conditions for strengthening bution of meals for children and young people.In the social security of the workers, at the same time 1952 the award of fellowships continued, as did visits promoting their health and pleasure in their work, by consultants, and Austria again received interna- by means of a general social insurance law, a law on tional recognition for the first time when Austrian provision in old age for the self -employed in trade, scientists were chosen for inclusion in the WHO industry and agriculture, a youth welfare law, and a expert committees on mental health, plague and virus modern maternal and juvenile protection law. diseases. Convalescent homes for apprentices have been In 1955, the role of Austria changed from that of created by the initiative of the Austrian Minister of a recipient of assistance to that of an active advisory Social Administration, Anton Proksch.Last year, Member, when experts were provided for under- a large -scale campaign against dental caries was developed countries. The number of experts is large instituted and sanatoria for alcoholics were set up. in proportion to the size and population of our All these efforts are to be crowned by a comprehen- country.Austrian scientists are represented in ten sive health service law. In particular, a satisfactory out of thirty -three WHO expert committees and solution must also be found for all new problems similar groups. which arise, whether these relate to the preservation The number of students of the health and the care of old people in an aging to Austria to study our medical research methods population, the danger to the population represented and our institutions has constantly increased in by insect control media, the harm caused by chemicals recent years. In addition to measures for the health used in industry, the dyeing and preservation of care of the population, preventive medicine and food, or the misuse of medicaments, stimulants and occupational medicine have been introduced, a virus soporifics. laboratory has been set up, with an electron micro- I believe that I have shown that we have invested scope of the newest pattern, for epidemiological the capital given us by WHO satisfactorily and at a purposes, and a cancer research institute has been good rate of interest, and we can but renew our built. We should also mention the further develop- former pledge that we shall continue to work in the ment of social insurance and its institutions, such spirit of WHO, to make our medical and scientific as modern emergencyhospitalsand out -patient contribution to the attainment of the high aims of departments. Special attention is paid to the preven- WHO in all countries, for the well -being of suffering tion and cure of chronic illnesses by providing modern humanity.Best wishes from my country for the spa facilities, in which Austria is so rich, and it is future, and many thanks to the State of Minnesota intended to create rehabilitation centres as well as and the City of Minneapolis. new premature birth centres, with the support of WHO and UNICEF. The PRESIDENT : Thank you, delegate of Austria. In the legal field, our whole health legislation has been adapted to modern requirements in the last ten 17. Address by the Chief Delegate of Japan years. Thus, a modern medical law has been enacted, as well as a dental and nursing law, a smallpox The PRESIDENT : I give the floor to the delegate of vaccination law and a law on vaccination against Japan. tuberculosis (which is on a voluntary basis however), Dr OMURA (Japan) : On behalf of the Government a modern health protection law and a hospital law and delegation of Japan I take great pleasure in 66 TENTH ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATIVE SESSION offering our sincere congratulations to you, Mr World Health Organization can depend on theco- President, on your assumption of the presidency on operative efforts of the governments, whichare this most memorable occasion.There is no doubt, always ready to offer their nationalresources by sir, that this special session under your leadership means of various research and project implementa- will prove to be a success and will be remembered tion. It is to be highly commended in that it haswon in future. such true solidarity in no small measure through its I feel it my pleasant duty to recall the interest of wise and sincere services to Member countries during my Government in the World Health Organization the past ten years. ever since its inception. In spite of the fact that my Celebrating the tenth anniversary of WHO,we Government was admitted as a full - fledged Member cannot however be too optimistic.It is not without of this organization only as late as 1951, it had been a touch of irony that we see that, as the health represented by official observers since the first session programmes advance, more work appears before us of the World Health Assembly, and had not failed for action. I am sure that all of us here are dedicating to observe carefully its orderly growth from year to ourselves to progressive and vigorous action in order year. It is my pleasure to note that the close collabo- to attain a state of complete physical, mental and ration established between Japan and WHO before social well- being.I am quite confident that WHO 1951has been further strengthened since Japan with its assets well established during the past ten became a full Member of the Organization and that years will prove its competence again in the coming they are enjoying continued mutual benefits.My years in an even more explicit manner than in the Government pledges anew toextenditsfullest past. support and collaboration to WHO for its worthy My Government will always be honoured to work cause of humanity. with other Member governments of the World Health Mr President, I should like to take this opportunity Organization towards the attainment of its high to refer to two points which to our mind seem to be ideals. unique accomplishments of the World Health Orga- nization during the ten years of its existence. In the The PRESIDENT :I thank the delegate of Japan. first place we are happy to express our marvel at the fact that the very existence and activities of 18.Address by the Chief Delegate of Czechoslo- WHO have stimulated to a remarkable extent a vakia consciousness of the need for better public health on the part of all the governments of the world. The PRESIDENT : The delegate of Czechoslovakia At no time in history have the leaders of the national has the floor. authorities been so fully aware of the need to provide Dr gTICH (Czechoslovakia) :I wish to express my a healthier environment for their peoples and also thanks for your words of welcome extended at the to keep individuals healthier. We consider that such opening of the session to the delegation of Czecho- a consciousness has been prompted by the existence slovakia, which this year renewed its membership in of the World Health Organization.It is true that the World Health Organization.May I, on this over -eagerness by a country in planning and imple- occasion, give my salutations to the anniversary menting health programmes has sometimes ended commemorative session of the World Health Assem- infailure because that country has lacked the necessary skill and resources. However, there is no bly on behalf of the Czechoslovak delegation and question but that such eagerness is the most encoura- wish it every success in the future. ging sign for the welfare of human beings and should As in other spheres of human activities, Czecho- be regarded as one of the basic successes of the slovakia strives for sincere international co- operation World Health Organization. also in the field of protection and promotion of the Secondly, our attention is called to the true soli- health of every human being -a field of such impor- darity of all nations, with the World Health Organi- tance for all mankind. Therefore the Czechoslovak zation taking the initiative, for the attainment of the Government not only fully recognizes the noble aims noble ideal of the Organization which is so aptly and principles of the World Health Organization, expressed in itsConstitution. This solidarityis but also systematically puts them into practice. The manifest in the fact that all governments of the world principle that free medical care is provided for every accept and believe in this ideal, and, in a spirit of Czechoslovak citizen follows from the right to health brotherhood and mutual respect, have been imple- which isdirectly and expressly embodied in the menting the actual programmes of WHO. The Constitution of the Republic. FOURTH MEETING 67

In a relatively short time, Czechoslovakia has Mr President, all these tasks could not be success- achieved considerable success in the protection of fully accomplished without the determined co- opera- the health of its population. Despite a lack of physi- tion of health workers all over the world, co- opera- cians felt after the end of war, and due to the fact tion which will help to promote the idea of peace, that during the war the Czechoslovak universities understanding and friendship among nations. were closed by the occupying authorities, a large Let us have our common endeavours concentrated number of new physicians was educated to bring on efforts to bring into practice and to fulfil ment the about the present very favourable ratio of one phy- slogan which the Czechoslovak healthworkers sician for every six hundred and fifty -one persons. proclaimed as their principle on the occasion of Similar progress has been accomplished inthe World Health Day, held under the auspices of the development of medical institutions. World Health Organization :Health to the people, Special attention was devoted by the Czechoslovak peace to the world. authorities to the health of the working people, The PRESIDENT :I thank the delegate of Czecho- women and children. To quote one example among slovakia. many, infant mortality has decreased more than three times since 1946. The steady development of national economy and 19.Address by the Chief Delegate of Switzerland the improvement of the standard of living of the people is considered by Czechoslovakia a decisive The PRESIDENT : The delegate of Switzerland has factor for the protection of health of broad strata the floor. of the population, in addition to a health service Dr SAUTER (Switzerland) (translation from the provided with adequate personnel and material French) :It is my agreeable task to voice the Swiss equipment, organized in an effective way and assisted FederalCouncil's congratulationstothe World by extensive medical research. Health Organization on this, its tenth anniversary. Czechoslovakia is ready to share its experience It is also my privilege to bring to you the warm with and give assistance to the World Health Orga- greetings of the Canton and City of Geneva. nization within the framework of international co- Switzerland is rightly proud of the fact that one operation for the promotion of human health.Pre- of her cities houses the headquarters of the World ventive medical care should be given priority in Health Organization, and is convinced that during these efforts, as was also one of the ideas of our this first decade the Organization has not only given great physician of the first half of the last century, proof of its extraordinary vitality, but has reached J. E. Purkyné, who defined preventive medicine as the point where it would be impossible to imagine the main principle of effective medical care.It is the machinery of international collaboration without therefore most appropriate that the World Health it. WHO is a valuable link between the nations and Organization devotes equal effort in itsactivities it has already deserved well of their peoples.This both to the fight against diseases and the causes of is one of the reasons why we feel that the Organiza- diseases which have from time immemorial constituted tion can celebrate this anniversary in full confidence a scourge of humanity, and to those which have and, moreover, look to the future with faith in its appeared only recently with the advent of new high destiny. scientific discoveries.Serious attention should be The World Health Organization has shown that given to a new danger threatening the health and lives it can overcome ills that have affected the health of of the peoples, resulting from ever- increasing levels man for centuries, and we can only hope that in the of atomic radiation.We should not allow the future it will also find ways and means of averting any new threats to the health of mankind. tremendous achievements in the sphere of atomic research to be misused against the interests of During the ten years of its existence, WHO has established a veritable and extensive network for mankind.On the contrary, all efforts should be contact and liaison at international level. Each year directed to using these findings exclusively for the it has brought together health specialists from all benefit of man, in medicine in particular.It is our parts of the world or from particular regions where belief that the inclusion of this problem among the common problems call for combined efforts. At activities of the World Health Organization testifies such meetings, the Organization has made possible that the Organization is fully aware of the great contactsbetweenpublic- healthauthoritiesand responsibility it bears for the health of the present scientists from the most varied branches of science, generation and those to come. on an unprecedented scale. 68 TENTH ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATIVE SESSION

This is work which bears fruit.The Organization countrieswhose most acutemedicalproblems, is helping us to find solutions to our problems, but requiring urgent attention, have been tackled by it is also creating that spirit of understanding which WHO.It was, however, not always easy to make is a prerequisite for any coming together of the decisions concerning the order of priorities. peoples of the world. By choosing a number of capable persons, by Switzerland is glad to be able to make its contri- engaging, for a shorter or longer period of time, bution toan organization whoseactivitiesare consultants from various health branches, by mobi- directed so largely to the promotion and development lizing special experts, very often from among the of good understanding between the nations; as in best, from various fields of health, the extremely the past, WHO may count upon our country's full elaborate internal structure of WHO has made it collaboration. Moreover, Switzerland will do every- possible for this organization to tackle, at present, thing in its power to make available to the Organi- practically any health problem, to make correct zation on its territory those working conditions which decisions concerning the questions facing it and to help to create the atmosphere it needs if it is success- propose proper solutions for various health problems. fully to pursue its noble task. Yugoslavia also is thankful to WHO for the assistance it has offered her, either directly, in the form The PRESIDENT : Thank you, Dr Sauter, delegate of technical assistance,or in co- operation with of Switzerland. UNICEF or FAO. I would like to point, with deep gratification, to 20.Address by the Chief Delegate of Yugoslavia the fact that the success achieved by WHO is to be ascribed to the policies pursued by the World Health The PRESIDENT : The delegate of Yugoslavia has Assembly, to the efforts of the Executive Board, and, the floor. in particular, of the Directors -General, Dr Chisholm Dr KRAUS (Yugoslavia) :I am greatly honoured and Dr Candau, to whom I wish to express our to have the opportunity to address you on this gratitude and congratulations for their successes. We solemn occasion when WHO is celebrating the tenth are likewise indebted to the WHO personnel who have anniversary of its existence and activity. Yugoslavia not spared any effort in carrying out their tasks. was among the first countries to participate, Eighty -eightcountriesare today Members of its representatives, in the organization of this highly WHO.All continents are represented, and great appreciated and important international health ins- successes have been achieved as to the universal titution.My country has been very active in the character of the Organization.But there are still development of our organization and views with countries outside the Organization which should be pride and a profound sense of satisfaction the pioneer brought into it, so that WHO may actually become work accomplished by those countries which set up the organization of the whole of mankind, in the the Organization ten years ago -this organization full meaning of this word.We believe that the which has achieved such brilliant results in a short countries which are not yet Members of WHO will space of time.Dr Andrija gtampar, first President soon join this organization; because health is the of the Interim Commission, as well as the delegate common problem of all nations, and should be Dr Gregorio, played a very active role in the work tackled not only on a national but also on an inter- of the Commission. Dr Andrija Stampar was also national level,in order to arrive at a complete elected President of the First World Health Assembly. solution. I wish to address, from this rostrum, the thanks An immense experience has been acquired in the of my delegation to the Government and the people course of the past ten years in solving health problems of the United States of America for the efforts they and there is no doubt that this experience will be have exerted in organizing this meeting, as well as amply applied in the course of the future activities for the hospitality they have extended both to our of WHO. All the programmes initiated will undoub- organization and to everyone present here. tedly continue in the forthcoming period and the No matter how modest we may be in appraising list of programmes will be expanded. the results of the activity of our organization,I The number of quarantinable diseases has greatly believe that we may point with gratification to the diminished, but there are still foci awaiting eradica- considerable successes we have achieved.All coun- tion. Contagiousdiseases,inparticularvirus tries of the world have felt the advantages and etiologies,are of especial importance. Without benefits of WHO's activities during this period of mentioning other health problems, we would like to tenyears, and particularlythe under -developed point merely to one of them -and a very important FIFTH MEETING 69 one at that -which emerged in the course of the technical progress are applied exclusively for the Second World War.Mankind is being exposed to benefit of mankind. As far as Yugoslavia is concerned, the highly pernicious effects of atomic radiations, due she will do everything in her power to enable our to atomic weapons tests. These tests have extremely organization to make further progress, to achieve harmful effects on man and on his descendants.If new successes, and to pursue even more fruitful man is to live in perfect health conditions, which activities during the next period of ten years. is the main and final aim laid down by the Consti- tution of WHO, the complete physical, mental and The PRESIDENT : I thank the delegate of Yugoslavia. social well -being of mankind should be achieved. At the present hour, when we still have no agreement 21.Announcements on the cessation of atomic weapons tests, mankind isexposed to the permanent danger of atomic The PRESIDENT :Before adjourning our meeting radiations. Itis our common duty to exert all this afternoon, I have to announce that, since the efforts in order to remove everything that could be first meeting of the Committee on Credentials, some detrimental, even to the smallest extent, to human additional credentials have been received. I therefore health, because, by joining our Organization and suggest that the Committee on Credentials hold a accepting itsConstitution, we have assumed the short meeting before the plenary meeting tomorrow obligation to exert the greatest efforts to promote morning.There will be a plenary meeting at 9.30 general health, and by this very fact to fight against tomorrow morning, and we hope that by noon we all the obstacles that might impede the realization can conclude our meeting, having ten speakers, of the main and final task of our organization-uni - including the Director- General. versal health. With that, I declare the meeting adjourned. It is our duty to strive, as physicians, to ensure that the achievements of human intelligence and The meeting rose at 5.30 p.m.

FIFTH MEETING Wednesday, 28 May 1958, at 9.30 a.m. President : Dr S. AL -WAHBI (Iraq)

1.Second Report of the Committee on Credentials On the basis of a telegraphic notification from The PRESIDENT : The meeting is called to order. Brazil giving the composition of its delegation, the Before I call on our first speaker for this morning, Committee recommends to the Health Assembly that I should like to ask the Rapporteur of the Committee this delegation be recognized with full rights in the on Credentials, Mr Zeuthen of Denmark, to read Health Assembly pending the arrival of its credentials. us the second report of that committee, which met The Committee recommends that the procedure at 9 a.m. today. for the consideration of credentials should be re- examined. Mr ZEUTHEN (Denmark),Rapporteurof the Committee on Credentials : The PRESIDENT : Thank you, Mr Zeuthen. Gentle- The Committee on men, you have heard the second report of the Com- Credentials met on 28 May 1958, under the chair- mittee on Credentials. manship of Dr F. Sánchez Moreno (Peru). Any comments or observa- The Committee accepted the formal credentials tions ? There being none, do I take it that the Assem- bly accepts the report ?The delegate of the Fede- of the delegations of Bolivia, Ghana, Honduras, ration of Malaya has the floor. Ireland, Paraguay, Sweden, Turkey and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Dr RAHMAN (Malaya) : Mr President, the creden- entitling their members to take part in the work of tials of the delegation of the Federation of Malaya the Health Assembly as defined by the Constitution were submitted to the credentials desk at the Hotel of the World Health Organization. Leamington this morning, and we would like to 70 TENTH ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATIVE SESSION

know what our position is, because our credentials congratulations and wholehearted thanks to WHO were not mentioned just now. for the excellent work which this organization has The PRESIDENT :It would appear that the creden- accomplished during the past ten years and from tials of the Federation of Malaya were presented so which Sweden has benefited greatly in many different late that the Committee on Credentials did not have ways. Itis with the greatest satisfaction that I time when it met at 9 o'clock to look into them; so express these feelings of gratitude in Minneapolis, the regular procedure would be for the next Commit- in the State of Minnesota, where so many of the tee on Credentials to look into the credentials of the inhabitants are of Swedish descent.I dare hope that Federation of Malaya. the relations between WHO and Sweden will be of Are there any other observations ? Is the Assembly interest also for the Swedish descendants in this ready to adopt the report as it has been read ? No lovely country. objections ? Then I take it that the Assembly adopts It is quite natural that in Member States where the second report of the Committee on Credentials. the development from a technical point of view is less advanced than in Sweden it is possible to point to a greater number of services and more apparent 2.Address by the Chief Delegate of Morocco resultsof work performed by WHO than in a The PRESIDENT : To continue our programme for country of Sweden's structure. this morning, the first speaker is the delegate of At home, however, we do not take this attitude Morocco.The delegate of Morocco has the floor. because we are of the opinion that the health problems of the world are of concern to all of us.When Dr BEN -ABUD (Morocco) (translation from the progress in the medico- social field is made anywhere, French) :It is a very great honour for me, on behalf of His Majesty Mohammed V, King of Morocco, it is of global advantage. This is more true today -in and of his Government, to convey to the American a period of increasing international relations and facilitated transport -than it has ever been. All the people the warm greetings of the people of Morocco. I should like, at the same time, to extend a greeting shortcomings which we face must find their solution to the distinguished members of our Assembly. through common sacrifices and common efforts.It The celebration of the tenth anniversary of the is, therefore, a definite necessity that all nations of World Health Organization is a great event for the the world be united in WHO. The fight against the 1957 influenza epidemic provided a practical demons- peoples of the entire world.It is a sign of the solidarity of mankind in face of the dangers of sickness, tration of the disadvantage of the fact that the want and death. The peoples who are possessed of membership list of WHO does not cover all nations. material comforts cannot remain indifferent to the From the Swedish point of view itis a great plight of those less favoured who spend their whole pleasure to acknowledge the eagerness and ability lives in the shadow of poverty and disease. the Organization has shown in extending its pro- My country, like many others, has been able to gramme to include new problems arising from the complete its mass campaigns thanks to the help given rapid technical development of modern society. by the World Health Organization. The social Among other problems in this connexion, I would scourgeswhichonceafflictedit -eyediseases, like to mention health hazards from the use of venereal diseases, malaria -are fast disappearing. atomic energy, air pollution, industrial health, and The long tale of want and desolation will soon be the mental health disturbances of today. no more than an unhappy memory. I should there- Every public health administration has the impor- fore like, Mr President, to express the gratitude of tant task of utilizing, as soon as possible, the new my country, as well as its deep satisfaction, at being developments in every field of medicine.In this able to take part in the search for the means of respect, WHO has supported the national adminis- bestowing upon every individual physical, mental and trations in a very effective way.It is a pleasure for social well- being. me to state this fact on behalf of my country.I would also like to mention in this connexion the The PRESIDENT : Thank you, Dr Ben -Abud. work performed by the Organization against virus diseases, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, radiation, 3.Address by the Chief Delegate of Sweden goitre, mental diseases, etc. The WHO publications, especially the Technical Report Series and the Mono- The PRESIDENT :I call on the delegate of Sweden. graph Series, have been of fundamental importance. Dr ENGEL (Sweden) : On behalf of the Swedish Swedish initiative in the work of the Organization Government, I have the pleasure of expressing its has often been focused on subjects in regard to which FIFTH MEETING 71 the scientific results have seemed to us to be of par- at the World Health Assembly which was convened ticular significance to the work of promoting public in Geneva in 1956. health.This originates in a feeling that close co- I wish to acknowledge with deep gratitude the operation between medical research and public services and grants offered to the Sudan by WHO, health services is fundamental for successful work in UNICEF, the Technical Assistance Board, and by the public health field. Actually the most challenging the other specialized agencies of the United Nations. task seems to be to stimulate research work related WHO, alone or with UNICEF, has initiated in my to public health problems.It is also in my opinion country the following projects during the last four the best way to recruitbright brains for public years :a mass tuberculin- testing and BCG vacci- health work. nation programme, the establishment of a nursing On behalf of the Swedish Government, I have the college, a pilot project for the ultimate eradication honour to extend to WHO the best wishes for the of malaria, control of sleeping sickness, and the continued success of the Organization in accordance establishment of a tuberculosis demonstration and with the noble goal laid down in its Constitution. Its training centre.It has sent experts to the Sudan - ideology constitutes a perfect basis for the policy some with equipment and drugs -to advise and of every government in promoting the health of its report on subjects such as control of cerebrospinal people and at the same time the progress of humanity meningitis, malaria, bilharziasis, sleeping sickness, everywhere. tuberculosis, dental hygiene, mental health, maternal andchildhealth,pharmacology,environmental The PRESIDENT :I thank the delegate of Sweden. hygiene, leprosy,filariasis,venereal diseases and others. 4.Address by the Chief Delegate of Sudan We also owe a deep debt of gratitude to WHO and The PRESIDENT :The delegate of Sudan has the TAB for assisting our technical personnel in studies floor. in various fields such as public health, gynaecology and obstetrics, mental health nursing, child health, Dr ABU SHAMMA (Sudan) :It is a pleasure and an environmental sanitation, health education, medical honour for me to address this meeting today on statistics, occupational health, tuberculosis, malario- the achievements of the World Health Organization logy, BCG work, maternal and child health, general in my country. nursing, bilharziasis control, dental health, radium For a young country like the Sudan which has and deep x -ray therapy, radiation therapy, rural just emerged into the light it is difficult to stand on health services, the preparation of vaccines and sera, one'sfeetalone without technical and financial and fellowships connected with the control and assistancefrom internationalorganizationsand prevention of diseases. friendly countries. The Sudan came to gain more knowledge and The former Director - General has rightly said " Let experience in attending seminars- whether in its own us face it, as WHO had to do ten years ago : no Region or in other regions -which were sponsored group, no culture, no people, has yet found the and arranged by WHO. These seminars were a very perfect way of living, not even of providing medical useful means of gaining knowledge and having a care ". This is at least very applicable to my country, mutual exchange of ideas and experience among the and WHO has given us a leading light to follow in participants. We were fortunate in attending semi- the improvement of our health services. nars on mother and child health, malaria control, WHO adopted a fatherly attitude and showed deep health education, tuberculosis control, meat hygiene, concern for health matters in the Sudan from the hospital architecture, mental health, and a few others. early days of its foundation. Before the independence Mr President, you will see from this review that of the country, the Regional Office for the Eastern no country in this small world can live in its nutshell. Mediterranean, in whose orbit the Sudan is included, No epidemic recognizes boundaries and is hindered invariably invited us to send an observer to attend by having to travel.Unless there is international its regional sessions.At the Eighth World Health co- operation and assistance, no country can stand Assembly which was held in Mexico City in 1955 by itself in face of an epidemic. the country was unanimously admitted as an Asso- Freedom from disease alone cannot ensure hap- ciate Member. A year later, the independent Repu- piness or peace; but the improvement of the health blic was accepted by acclamation as a full Member services, the prevention of disease, and the continuous 72 TENTH ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATIVE SESSION rise in social standards are essential factors in main- The organization of medical services in towns and taining peace and friendly relations between countries. villages and at the place of work, prophylactic The World Health Organization isearnestly and measures, free medical assistance for wage- earners, honestly working towards these human aims. the whole system of measures introduced and deve- Mr President, I beg in conclusion to thank you loped thanks to the rise in the standard of living, and the delegates for listening to me.I also wish have led to a very marked improvement in health. to thank the host country for offering us these One of the results has been the decline in infant facilities and for its generosity and cordiality. I mortality; this, which from 1930 to 1947 fluctuated wish to convey the best wishes and regards of my between 17.6 % and 19.9 %, fell in 1957 to 8.1 %. To Government and country to you all. take only one other example -that of malaria -we The PRESIDENT :I thank the delegate of Sudan. had 300 000 cases of this disease in 1948, whereas at the end of last year there were only 164. We look forward to further progress by WHO and 5.Address by the Chief Delegate of Romania we shall follow and support all its general activities, The PRESIDENT : The delegate of Romania has the placing at its disposal all our resources in experience floor. and personnel. My country, as an active Member Dr BERLOGEA (Romania) (translation from the of the Organization, fully endorses the lofty humani- French) :Many distinguishedorators who have tarian principles set out in the Constitution, namely, preceded me at this rostrum have stressed the impor- that " the enjoyment of the highest attainable stan- tance of the tenth anniversary of the World Health dard of health is one of the fundamental rights of Organization. All of them have congratulated WHO every human being ".At a time when the World on the contribution it has made to the improvement Health Organization is entering its eleventh year, the of health in the various countries of the world. The Romanian delegation wishes it further success in delegation of the People's Republic of Romania its noble humanitarian work. sincerely endorses these laudatory comments. The PRESIDENT : I thank the delegate of Romania. Certainly, during the ten years that have elapsed since the establishment of WHO, numerous problems relating to health have been solved in many countries. 6.Address by the Chief Delegate of Finland Other problems are now being successfully tackled, The PRESIDENT : The delegate of Finland has the while others again are on the list for priority attention floor. in all countries whatever their degree of development. The Romanian delegation fully shares the view Professor PESONEN (Finland) : On the occasion of expressed by some delegates regarding the particular the tenth anniversary of the World Health Organiza- importance which must be given to the peaceful uses tion, I have the honour and great pleasure to present of atomic energy, especially its use in health protec- to the Organization the greetings and thanks of the tion. Government of Finland.In Finland interest in the Health must be the subject of research work at work of the World Health Organization has always world level and of appropriate measures inall been great.Our country has participated in the countries, because the development of society in our activities of the Organization from the very beginning. times is inconceivable without the fullest protection She was among the first to sign the Constitution of of health itself and of the family and individual. the World Health Organization in 1946.We are In the past ten years, great efforts have been made sincerely grateful for the magnificent support we have in my country in the field of medicine and public received from the Organization in our efforts for the health. The country's low standard of health during reconstruction of our hospitals and in our endeavours the Second World War, aggravated as a result of to speed up the development of the country's public that war, made such efforts all the more necessary. difficult post -war Through the action taken by the Government, consi- health services under the very derable resources have been made available for the conditions. development of specialized health units, for training WHO's assistance has been of indispensable value physicians and increasing their number (at present to my country and is perhaps best reflected in the there is one physician to 800 inhabitants) for post- great number of fellowships awarded to Finnish graduate training, provision of technical equipment, health workers.These fellowship holders have had and development of research related to practical theprivilege of studying the problems of their work. respective fields in countries with better facilities for FIFTH MEETING 73 advanced study.On their return home, they have 7.Address by the Chief Delegate of Ghana contributed to the promotion of our own health The PRESIDENT :The delegate of Ghana has the services with the valuable knowledge acquired abroad. floor. I also want to express our gratitude for the visits of Dr AKWEI (Ghana) : On an occasion such as this, the numerous consultants sent to our country by when the tenth anniversary of this great organization WHO to assist us with their expert knowledge.In is being celebrated, it is an honour and a privilege return, we have been delighted to receive foreign for Ghana, its youngest full Member at the end WHO fellows. of this decennial period, to be allowed to speak. Today, the great achievements of the medical Since our membership in the Organization is so sciences in the fields of both preventive and curative recent, anything said cannot reflect adequately the medicine are the property of the whole of mankind. achievements of the past ten years.On the other So medicine is, and has to be, international.Each hand, it must mirror in no small measure the work nation contributes to it according to its own facilities which lies ahead and the greater sacrifices yet to be and resources. But joint use of the results of medical made. research for the benefit of all nations is only possible Ghana is a country which covers approximately through good international co- operation. A nation 91 892 square miles.At the last census in 1948 the that neglects this is deprived of all chances of follow- population was just about four and one half million. It is estimated that it has increased by about 600 000 ing the rapid progress of modern medicine. Lacking since then. knowledge of the latest developments abroad, her During the period under review, a few local health authorities are unable to provide her citizens authorities in rural areas became interested in the with effective health services in the modern sense of collection of vital statistical data and this they we re the word.For this reason alone, international co- able to do under powers derived from the Local operation is a primary condition of all health work. Government Ordinance. With the staff at the disposal It is inevitable for another reason, too. The globe of these authorities, only the fact of birth and the has, in many respects, contracted. Communications fact of death could be recorded; recording of the from one side of the world to the other have grown cause of death in these cases has yet to be developed. appreciably faster. Distances are no longer reckoned Published data about birth rates and mortality rates, however, continue to refer only to the thirty -six in thousands of miles but in hours.Intercourse registration areas which have been in existence for between nations has thus become livelier and greatly many years. The population in these areas represents facilitated the spread of infectious diseases. Therefore, about 12 per cent of the total.In 1948 the infantile it is in the interest of each individual country that mortality rate in these areas was 121; in 1956 it was contagious diseases in particular should be tackled 98.The crude death rate in these areas appears to wherever they first appear.To postpone measures have been relatively static during the period -21.4 until the epidemic has reached one's own country in 1948 and 21.3 in 1956.On the other hand, the would be both stupid and dangerous. Thus we can birth rate has risen from 29.4 in 1948 to 46.3 in 1956. say that in the present -day world, each nation is a While these data will probably require expert scrutiny, part of an indivisible whole; if any one part is the general trend would seem to suggest that the affected by a disease, the rest of mankind cannot health services of the country even at the level remain unconcerned.With regard to their health maintained during the past ten years are proving appreciably beneficial to the people. and welfare, all nations of the world are interdepen- Great improvements took place in the development dent. of the hospital service during this period.In the Mr President, I have the honour to assure the Northern Region, for example, four of thesix World Health Organization of my Government's hospitals in existence at the beginning of the period desire to contribute as much as possible to the were rebuilt and enlarged. The remaining two were valuable work performed by the Organization for extended and three additional new ones were built. the benefit of all mankind. On behalf of the Finnish The effort in the South reached the dimensions of a Government I wish the Organization, and its excel- five -story hospital with 510 beds. lent Director -General and staff, good luck and all The development of health centres was an impor- success in fulfilling their noble task. tant feature of the extension of rural health work during the period.Nine such centres were built The PRESIDENT :I thank the delegate of Finland. between 1954 and 1956.Eleven more are under 74 TENTH ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATIVE SESSION construction and it is intended to provide a total for the Blind.Agreement has also been reached of forty such centres throughout the rural area. with WHO for the provision of technical assistance UNICEF has assisted in this project by providing for the control of this disease. a Land Rover and maternity equipment for each of Tuberculosis also received a lot of attention during these centres.The main function of these centres the period and WHO assisted Ghana abundantly by is maternal and child health and health education. sending its survey team into the country. The report Each unit is staffed by a qualified midwife, a health of the team is awaited so that plans for the control visitor and a health inspector.The duties of these of this important disease may be re- formulated. officers are co- ordinated by a health centre superin- Health education of the public has become an tendent who isbasically a qualified nurse with important aspect of the activities of the public health additional training designed to suit him for the job. organization in Ghana. A unit has been established In general public health, considerable progress has under the direction of a full -time officer who co- been made in the provision of potable water in the ordinates all health education work, including that rural areas.A special department of rural water of the mass education and community development development was established for this purpose.The teams, voluntary agencies such as the Red Cross, dramatic disappearance from rural communities of and even the teaching of hygiene in elementary guinea worm, for instance, which resulted from this schools and teachers' training colleges.This officer development requires to be seen to be believed. isalso responsible for the constant review and Towards the end of the period the development development of programmes for the training of of a nutrition unit was started.It is intended to auxiliaries, including health inspectors. extend this during the coming year so that we may To complete the picture a word must be said be able to deal adequately with the problem of about staffing. At the beginning of the period under malnutrition which isso important, particularly review, there was only one midwifery school in the among children. country. Now there are four with an annual output In other fields of public health, particularly in of about eighty to ninety midwives.The oldest of towns, it was necessary to draw attention to dange- these schoolsis now upgraded and only admits rous shortcomings. WHO was requested to provide registered nurses, who are trained for more respon- a public health engineer so as to assist the national sible work in the nursing service. health authorities in dealing with the problems pre- The training of State -registered nurses was started sented by the rapid growth of the towns.It is in 1946 and was barely under way when WHO came expected that with the assistance of this adviser, now into existence.In addition, there are now no less due to arrive, this aspect of the health service will thanninegovernment andgovernment- assisted be given full consideration in the second development schools for the training of qualified registered nurses plan now in preparation. in the country. Work on the control of communicable diseases While we still have difficulty in attracting pupils continued during the period. An average of 500 000 to health visiting, it can generally be said that the vaccinationsper annum againstsmallpox were foundations for the training of most types of technical carried out during the period, with a peak figure of staff were laid and in some cases consolidated during twice that number in 1954.In addition to work the decennial period under consideration. on the quarantinable diseases, however, we have continued to develop the control of endemic diseases The PRESIDENT :I thank the delegate of Ghana. and our field organization for this work is probably second to none for any country in a comparable 8.Address by the Chief Delegate of Tunisia stage of economic and social development. In the control of yaws and leprosy particularly, The PRESIDENT : The delegate of Tunisia has the we have received abundant help from the World floor. Health Organization and UNICEF. Mr BEN SALAH (Tunisia) (translation from the Field studies during the period have drawn atten- French) :The delegation of the Tunisian Republic tion forcefully to the importance of onchocerciasis finds comfort and hope in this session commemora- in the country.In the assessment of this problem, ting the foundation of the World Health Organization. due acknowledgement must be made of the magnifi- For my country, which by its efforts is meeting its cent assistance given by the Commonwealth Society responsibilities with increasing effectiveness, mem- FIFTH MEETING 75 bership of our organization means consciousness of continue to develop and to assert itself as one of the limits of our rights and the extent of our obliga- the highest expressions of human ideals. tions.It means for us satisfaction at being present The motto of our health policy, as defined for atthemeetingplaceofideas,whereworld our young Tunisian Republic by our President, is : efforts are being made to achieve the common aim " Go out to the sick and prevent disease wherever of individual and collective development. it may be ".It is a motto which has led to better The joint efforts of the peoples represented here co- ordination and integration of curative and pre- and in other international organizations inspired by ventive work and consequently better use of the the same ideal, efforts co- ordinated in WHO by a funds set aside for public health.This policy has succession of presidents, directors- general and their led on the one hand to a considerable strengthening staff, have made it possible in ten years to build of our joint activities with the international organ- up an active and vigorous agency; and it gives us izations (eleven programmes, nine of which are new satisfaction to know that we have made a modest ones); and, on the other, to the implementation of contribution towards this achievement. The Tunisian a large -scale health programme at the national level delegation nevertheless expresses its desire and deter- (to mention only a few figures : 9000 beds in 1957 mination to work for a truly universal participation as against 4500 in 1950; 2 500 000 hospitalization of the peoples so that certain of them, whose under- days in 1957 as against 1 000 000 in 1950; 4 000 000 privileged situation is an affront to our conscience out -patient consultations in 1957 as against 600 000 and represents a gap in our Organization's world in1950).The administrative and technicalre- function, shall not remain excluded.Tunisia, like organization of the public health service and the all nations which have attained independence, needs innumerabletasksaccomplished show thatthe peace in order to meet its internal and external independent Government hasachieved more in responsibilities. It needs co- operation and union two years than was accomplished in ten years under with the peoples who belong naturally, by their the colonial regime, particularly with respect to proximity and similarity, to the same human group. control of widespread diseases, maternal and child The first of these peoples, of these nations, is of health, and nutrition. course Algeria, which is not free to exist, to work, The Tunisian Republic's record in the field of to co- operate.When deadly barriers are erected health is a fairly positive one.It is multiplying its for the encircling of a nation, not only are they efforts in spite of inadequate resources; it is proud disastrous from the military point of view, but they of itsmembership of thisOrganization; andit also stop all exchange and co- operation.For the appeals to you, free countries or countries fighting Republic of Tunisia, as for all the other countries for freedom, to see that there is no relaxing of represented here, the ideal implicit in our presence vigilance and that our organization succeeds, in is not limited by the frontiers of national interest; conjunction with the United Nations and free peoples the development of health and social programmes everywhere, in removing all obstacles to human well- cannot be adjusted to national frontiers, particularly being, maintaining and affirming everywhere the pre- when such frontiersarebristling withhostility. eminence of human dignity both moral and physical. When has disease ever respected national frontiers ? Let me conclude by saying that Tunisia, guided I must add, however, that the quest for well -being by its far -sighted President, strong in the support -which is as much our ideal as it is that of WHO of its people, will continue to fight for the abolition and other international organizations -is continually of all obstacles to understanding, brotherhood and hampered by the atmosphere of insecurity in which the achievement of the noble aims of the World we are forced to work by reason of the war which Health Organization. is being waged on our threshold and which often May I offer my thanks to the Government and overflows to no small extent on to our territory. people of the United States, and to the authorities and inhabitantsof Minnesota and the City of Tunisia makes a solemn appeal to the conscience Minneapolis.I take the occasion, also, to pay a of the world to ensure that no possible means are sincere tribute to the specialized agencies of the neglected whereby Algeria and other dependent United Nations, particularly FAO and UNICEF, nations may finally come to enjoy complete exercise and to the splendid spirit of the administration and of theirresponsibilitiesfor the improvement of the entire staff of WHO; I would like them to be individualwell- being.I am convinced that my assured of our friendship and of our frank and full country will not be alone in the profound wish to collaboration. see our Organization -in so farasitrepresents universality in its mission and unity in its activities- The PRESIDENT :I thank the delegate of Tunisia. 76 TENTH ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATIVE SESSION

9.Address by the Director - General The steady increase in the regular budget of the Organization is another tangible proof of the con- The PRESIDENT : OurDirector- General,Dr fidence governments have in WHO. Over the last Candau, isgoingtoaddresstheAssembly. Dr Candau, you have the floor. ten years, the annual budget has increased from five million to nearly fourteen million dollars.At the The DIRECTOR -GENERAL : May I first of all thank same time, countries are also contributing, on a you, Mr President and delegates, for your generous voluntary basis,to international health schemes. words about the staff and myself.Your remarks I would like here to express the deep gratitude of about the staff are indeed well deserved by each the Organization to all those countries which have one of them, no matter in what part of the world contributedtotheMalariaEradicationSpecial they are working for WHO, and it will be a pleasure Account and in particular to the United States of to convey to them your appreciation. America, the host of this Assembly, for the generous As for myself, allI can say is -and I say this contribution it made last year. with a sense of deep humility and gratitude -that, But even more precious than financial participa- with such a staff and with those foundations laid tion has been the willingness on the part of countries, by my friend Brock Chisholm to whom the Assembly at whatever stage of their development, to make has so rightly referred in most appreciative terms, available to WHO the skilled and specialized man- my own task of carrying on after such a predecessor power indispensableto an organization such as has been made definitely easier. ours.I am thinking of course, in the first place, Any attempt adequately to apprise the event we of the thousand and more of the world's leading are commemorating atthis time must begin by health experts who are members of our expert recalling the fundamental principles laid down in the advisory panels.I am thinking also of the 7700 Constitution of the World Health Organization. fellowships WHO has awarded within the last ten Generally speaking, the progress made by WHO years, and of the truly international character of during its first ten years can be measured in terms that programme, exemplified by the fact that, during of the advance it has made in translating these a one -year period, 1100 fellows were received by principlesintopractice.The questionsIshall 577 institutions in 42 countries. therefore try to answer in the next few minutes are : The awarding of fellowships is only one part of to what extent have countries fulfilled their respon- a more general effort WHO has made to improve sibilities in promoting world health ? also, to what the professional and technical education of national extent have the yearly programmes of WHO been health personnel.Indeed in all regions a substantial inspired by the ideal of the complete state of health number of WHO's projects is concerned with educa- defined in the Constitution ? and to what degree tion and training in order to overcome the chronic has the Organization contributed to the improve- shortage of trained health personnel which is one ment of economic and social conditions throughout of the greatest, if not the greatest, obstacle to health the world ? progress throughout the world. Part of the answer to the first question lies in I must also mention the truly spectacular network the number of governments representedatthis of scientific centres which enables the Organization commemoration of the tenth anniversary of our to discharge its vital responsibility for co- ordinating Organization.It is most gratifying to all concerned research carried out on a national level.There is that WHO is today nearer than ever to the goal virtually no field of activity in public health from of universal membership, which is the indispensable which this type of co- operation is absent.To give condition for its final success.Indeed, since Sep- a few examples only,itisto the thousands of tember 1948 our membership has increased from research workers all over the world who have joined fifty -four to eighty- eight.Even more important is in this great international co- operative programme the fact that, with the exception of a very few, that we owe the present prospect of ultimately Member States now participate fully and actively defeating suchpublic -healthmenacesaspolio- in the basic functions of WHO -to place the benefits myelitis, influenza and rabies, or of solving the of modern publichealth practice at the disposal of problem of resistance of insects to insecticides. allcountries.Nor hasthisparticipationbeen This brings me to the criterion which we must static.Its dynamic and progressive characteris apply in considering the results obtained during illustrated by the steady increase in the number of WHO's firstten yearsof work.Have we,as health projects which are of importance to more stipulated in the Constitution, succeeded in expand- than one country. ing the frontiers of health by effectively applying FIFTH MEETING 77 the positive means which are today at the disposal morating the tenth anniversary of the World Health of medical science ?The answer lies in the many Organization.Greece considers it a privilege to be projects we have undertaken, often in close collabora- among the first founder Members of this world tion with the United Nations and our sister agencies, organization and has ever since closely collaborated, in the broad fieldsof,for example, community under the auspices of WHO, with the other Member development, nutrition, and social and occupational nations in the fulfilment of the high task of this health.Furthermore, because WHO has since its specialized agency. very inception constantly enlarged the scope of its The first decade of its existence which we cele- work, and tackled the physical and mental aspects brate today, and which is rendered all the more of new problems -such as the peaceful uses of brilliant by the presence of distinguished repre- atomic energy and the effects of automation -it sentatives from all over the world, was marked by can be stated that, within our modest means, we excellent accomplishments in the field of man's age - are contributing to the solution of the fundamental long struggle against disease. problems of our time and are helping to develop Other more competent speakers, who have pre- through co- operative international action the social ceded me on this rostrum, have stressed the various and economic potentialities of the technically still aspects of the activities of the World Health Organ- developing parts of the world. ization and have praised the ablescientific and Since our experience is still limited, it would be administrative staff who have rendered these com- presumptuous to attempt an assessment in concrete bined internationaleffortspossible and fruitful. figures of the effect of improved health on economic I wish to join them by expressing the profound development.But, increasingly, the important role gratitude of the Greek people, who have deeply felt WHO plays in the United Nations Expanded Pro- the benefit of the activities of WHO. gramme of TechnicalAssistanceforEconomic Among thevariousprojectsimplementedin Development bears witness to the fact that economic Greece during the first decade, may I mention here benefits accrue from the control or eradication of the assistance given in the control of infectious such debilitating diseases as malaria, tuberculosis, diseases; the fellowships offered for the improvement yaws or bilharziasis, to mention only a few. and expansion of the hospital administration; the But it is time for me to conclude and cast a glance consultant services made available for the develop- at the future.We cannot claim that we are even ment of the health statistical services; and the fellow- in sight of our final objective, which is nothing less ships granted for the improvement of post -graduate than the attainment by all peoples of the highest nursing education. possible level of health.We cannot claim that we In the field of social and occupational health, are anywhere near it, or even that this generation Greece has also received valuable assistance in the or the next will reach it.But we have, I believe, care of physically handicapped children, which was good grounds for thinking that we are moving in extended later to adults, and in the general develop- the right direction.There is no doubt that the ment of mental health practice. record of WHO over the last ten years shows that May I mention lastly the help granted to Greece it can discharge its primary responsibility, that is, by WHO and UNICEF for the implementation of to ensure the most effective and economical use of its rural sanitation project in maternal and child theresourceswhicharetodayinternationally health, which began in Macedonia in1956 and available for the betterment of world health. which is intended to improve, in selected villages, I am confident that, with the ever - growing co- the environmental conditions directly affecting the operation of its Member States, the World Health health of children, to provide safe water and hygienic Organization will meet the challenge. waste disposal, and to train personnel in up -to -date The PRESIDENT :On behalf of the Assembly, I rural health practices.In return, Greece has put at thank you, Dr Candau, for a most comprehensive the disposal of the World Health Organization the address. experience acquired in our country by Greek scientists in the successful antimalaria campaign, in order 10. Address by the Chief Delegate of Greece to help other people still suffering from this disease. Those are some of the projects so far implemented The PRESIDENT : Our next speaker is the delegate in Greece or by Greek scientists.I mention them of Greece. not because they are the only important ones but Dr VIT §AXIS (Greece) :My delegation isparti- because I wish to underline the variety of fields cularly happy to participate in this session comme- which they cover. 78 TENTH ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATIVE SESSION

But Greece has also other good reasons to rejoice 11.Address by the Chief Delegate of India in the success with which the activities of WHO have The PRESIDENT :Icall on the chief delegate of met on a world -wide scale. On the one hand, she India.Sir Arcot Mudaliar, you have the floor. recognizes in the objectives and the achievements of this organization the complete realization of the Sir Arcot MUDALIAR (India) :It is somewhat of a moral principles of the Greek Christian civilization task for anyone to be the forty -fifth speaker on a which forms the axis of her role in history.On the list, but I can assure you there is one consolation other hand, Greece considers present -day methods for all of you :the President tells me that I am governing health organization, based on the con- perhaps the last speaker on the list so far as this cept that disease is a predominantly social pheno- decennial celebration is concerned. menon, to be the true reflection of its own spiritual You may wonder why it is that I have been chosen legacy.In fact, this concept constitutes a survival as the last speaker.Last time the World Health of the Hippocratic ideas in so far as disease and Assembly met, and discussions were proceeding as health in general are concerned and confirms the to the manner in which the speeches should be regu- so- called neo- hippocratic belief in combination with lated, it was suggested that each regional organization the theory of psychosomatic medicine, both of which should perhaps select one or two speakers who would are also of purely Greek origin.This fully explains represent that organization.The South -East Asia why the Greek nation easily understands and offers, Regional Organization, with due deference to the as it will continue to do in the future, its prompt and suggestions made, selected two speakers, my esteemed unanimous co- operation in all fields of preventive friend from Thailand and myself from India, not to or curative activities and in all programmes of the represent our countries alone but to represent the World Health Organization. whole of the South -East Asia Region.You, Mr But beyond practical results and its great achieve- President, with your usual genius, coming as you ments in the field of international public health, I do from the great country of Haroun al Raschid, feel that WHO has realized something even more thought fit to separate us as far as possible, my important during these last ten years.It has con- colleague from Thailand beginning the discussions tributed to the formation of a uniform health spirit; on this subject, and I probably to be the last speaker to the close co- operation of specialists in the drawing - on the occasion.I thank you for your courtesy. up and the implementation of various projects; to It is necessary for us to realize that, on this occa- the unification and co- ordination of all means of sion of the tenth anniversary celebrations, we are work and research -in a word, to the creation of a exceedingly fortunate to be able to meet in the universalhealthconsciencewhichbringsmen, country which saw the origins of the World Health regardless of race, religion, or political beliefs, closer Organization, twelve years ago.It is a matter of to each other and paves the way for a better, a great satisfaction to all of us that once more we are human approach to the problems which unfortuna- in the United States to celebrate this particular tely continue to divide this world of ours. function, that we are happily in this great city of Having in mind all that has so far been accom- Minneapolis, so beautiful in every respect, with such plished by WHO, in the practical as well as in the charming hosts, who have been so kind to us.My moral field, I feel it is my duty to express our thanks only fear is that some of us would like to delay a to, and at the same time our confidence in, the World little bit our departure from Minneapolis if it were Health Organization.I wish also, on behalf of possible to do so. my Government, to congratulate all those who have contributed in any way to the success of this first I am greatly indebted, as all of you are, for the decade. gracious message that was given by the President of The celebration of this anniversary which has the United States of America -a message that will taken place in the atmosphere of warm hospitality certainly strengthen us and hearten us in our work offered to our organization and to us personally by in the World Health Organization -and for the the great Republic of the United States of America, speech of his personal representative, Dr Milton and particularly by the State of Minnesota and the Eisenhower, who in the few minutes that he addressed City of Minneapolis, will soon be over.The next us gave us a graphic account of what is expected of decade has almost started.May it bring to us all the World Health Organization.As a university the fulfilment of our common objective -complete man, let me say that I do recognize and feel grateful health, peace and prosperity. to the Johns Hopkins University, which perhaps more than any other university was responsible for The PRESIDENT :I thank the delegate of Greece. the very large number of public -health personnel FIFTH MEETING 79 that have been trained throughout these years.In part to play and whose non -inclusion is to some of my own country many of the important portfolios us a matter of deep concern, as we are on the borders are held by ex- students of the Johns Hopkins Uni- of such lands.It is a matter of such importance versity, with credit to themselves and to the alma that measures may have to be taken, at least in the mater from which they come. World Health Organization, so that the universality An occasion likethis, Mr President, naturally of membership may be recognized. makes us look back and express our grateful thanks This organization has grown to large proportions. to all those who were initially responsible for the I myself can bring to mind the small beginning in starting of this organization.To the distinguished 1948 and note the steady progress year after year representative of Brazil, my esteemed late lamented during these last ten years.At the very first World friend, who unfortunately is not here to see the Health Assembly, it was given to the Indian delega- fruition of his labours, and to the delegate of China, tion to move a resolution to decentralize the Organ- we owe a debt of gratitude.And, if you will permit ization and to set up regional organizations with a me, Mr President, I may say with a little bit of view to seeing that intensified work was done in the pardonable fraternal pride that it was given to a different regions; we felt certain that so far as health member of my family to start the initiative in this was concerned, there could not be any centralized respect as President of the Economic and Social control, that it was far more necessary, while retaining Council of the United Nations, and to initiate this central guidance, to have regional responsibilities organization in the year 1946. in the carrying out of the many programmes that In the early years the Interim Commission had a had been mapped out.It was with a considerable great task, and I am happy to state that the task amount of doubt expressed by some honourable was so well performed that to this day the articles members -and veryrightly -thatregionalization of association that they drafted have stood us in proceeded.Today we are in a position to con- good stead, and no modification whatever has been gratulate ourselves that the six regional organizations possible within the past ten years, though I believe have done such splendid work, through their directors some attempt has been made from time to time. and through the secretariats they have established, Our first five years after the starting of the World that we are able to expand the activities of the Health Assembly in 1948 were not altogether years Organization throughout the globe and to take note free from anxiety of one sort or another, but in the of every possible incident that affects the welfare of Director - General of that period, our esteemed friend the people in these different areas. Dr Brock Chisholm, we had a great man at the head It is not my purpose, Mr President, to enumerate of affairs, a person who is not only great in under- all that has been done in the different regions, but standing, but, being a psychiatrist himself, great in in my own region of South -East Asia -which is the understanding of the mental disorders even of peculiar in that it contains twenty -five per cent. of some of the delegates occasionally.Ithink Dr the world's population and spreads over a wide Chisholm had a great part to play in regulating the area including mountains, hilly regions, islands and business of the Assembly and in guiding us imper- so forth -we have a variety of problems which, but ceptibly to do the right thing at the right moment. for the regional organization and its effective methods I am very happy to say that the membership of of control, would sometimes have been rather the Organization has increased until, as the Director - difficult to tackle.But even so the results that have General said, we stand at eighty- eight, but I am been noted in these short years have been very happier still that those Members who once found it spectacular indeed, and they are culled from the necessarytodeparttemporarily from ushave official records verified by the official health agencies. rejoined us.If we do not actually welcome them In Burma, for instance, the infant mortality rate in the fashion in which they ought to be welcomed of nearly 300 per 1000 in 1947 has come down to according to the biblical saying, let us say that our 166 in 1956, and the maternal mortality rate has welcome is wholehearted, and we are sure that they fallen from 9.2 to 5.8.In Ceylon the most signifi- will contribute in no small measure to the success cant event in all the vital occurrences during this of the World Health Organization in the years to decade, in the words of its Health Minister, was come.I only hope, Mr President, that ere long, the fall in the infant mortality rate from 101 per soonerorlater- soonerratherthanlater -this 1000 to 67.Maternal death rate fell from 15.5 in organization will be a global organization, that it 1946 to 5.6 in 1956.Life expectancy, which stood will include every nation in the world, that it will at 44 in 1946, is 60 for males and 59 for females in include those nations which have still got a great 1957 -I hope the females will catch up very soon if 80 TENTH ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATIVE SESSION they have notalready done so !In Indonesia I remember, Mr President, on the last occasion that malaria has been wiped out from all the important therepresentative of the Food and Agriculture citiessuch as Jakarta, Surabaya and Semarang. Organization addressed us, he bemoaned the fact More than 38 500 000 people have been covered by that the World Health Organization was increasing the yaws programme, and more than 3 000 000 the difficulties of the Food and Agriculture Organ- vaccinatedwith BCG.In Thailandthe infant ization, and with the rate at which populations were mortality rate has fallen from 94.6 to 56.1, and in increasing, he asked the question : How are the food Afghanistan malaria control activities are yielding problems of the world to be met if the World Health place to eradication plans. So far as India is concer- Organization continues to lower the death rate, to ned significant changes have taken place in all fields increase longevity, and so to enable people to live of health activity, and although I have not got the healthily and happily and therefore to require for exact figures I can say that in every respect malaria, themselves more food than they would otherwise cholera, epidemics of every sort, have been con- require ?I think the answer to that question need trolled, while the BCG programme has made very not be elaborated here.Man's ingenuity has not great advances. yet come to an end, and I am sure that in the course I should like in this connexion to pay my tribute of time we shall know exactly what to do, both in to the work of the other specialized agencies and the regard to the demographic problem and also in co- operation that has been extended by these agencies regard to the food situation. to the World Health Organization.I do not think Mr President, just in conclusion, I have listened that thereis any other agency which has taken with great excitement and admiration to the many advantage of the work of the specialized agencies splendid tributes that have been given to the work to the extent that the World Health Organization of the World Health Organization, to you -and very has, and when I say this, I speak with some inside rightly -Mr Director -General, and to your secre- knowledge of some of the specialized agencies of the tariat at the centre, to the directors of the regional United Nations.In particular, I wish to say from organizations and to their secretariats, and also to this platform how much we owe to the United the field workers who have been working in the Nations Children's Fund, which has been the one forests, in the hill tracts, in almost inaccessible places, great agency that has helped the World Health facing the dangers the people meet, and staunchly Organization's programme in material ways for the standing by them as members of the medical pro- benefit of mothers and children.In no instance has fession ought to do.We are most grateful indeed there been any hesitation on the part of this great that these tributes have been given, and I add my agency to step in wherever it was needed.It has own tribute.But more than anything else, more built up great factories for penicillin and DDT. than the tributes that have been paid by such dis- It has extended maternal and child welfare to the tinguished representatives, are the tributes that are remotest parts.It has taken a very prominent part being given in a silent manner by those who have in the BCG vaccination movement.It has also had the benefit of the kindly care of the World done much for rural housing and rural health. Health Organization. I wish publicly to acknowledge in all sincerity our The work of the World Health Organization is a deep gratitude to UNICEF for the valuable support work that has brought it into touch with the masses ithas given sofar.But as gratitude has been of the people; that is the one peculiarity of this defined as a lively sense of favours to come, I do specialized agency which perhaps distinguishesit hope thatthis appeal willalso mean a further from all other specialized agencies.There can be response on the part of that great organization. no doubt that there is no other organization which I need not go into many of the other factors has gone into the interior of the countries concerned that have been recalled so far :the fellowship pro- and which has had a more direct contact with the gramme; the training of personnel; the measures common man of other countries.The peasant who that have been taken for malaria control to be has been freed from the scourge of malaria, the converted to malaria eradication -and I am glad labourer in Indonesia to whom yaws is no longer a that my country also has decided on a programme of dreaded disease, the mother in the plantation in malaria eradication and no longer of malaria control. Ceylon who can now look forward with safety to In essence, therefore, the work of the World Health the natural process of delivery, the farmer in India Organization during this decade has been pheno- in the hill -tract areas and other places who can now menal and has extended so much that we ourselves cultivate his once arid land (arid because the whole are surprised.But this also produces some reaction. village was deserted owing to the curse of malaria), FIFTH MEETING 81 and the Pathan in Afghanistan to whom typhus is national commissions take great pleasure in extending no longer a problem -all have come to realize that their congratulations and best wishes on the occasion there is somebody in this world who cares for them, of the tenth anniversary of our organization and take whose concern is their health and happiness, and to great pride in their association with us as non- realize that they belong toa world where the governmental participating organizations. individuals are looked after by a world organization. I have also received a message from the President It is thus that the idea of world citizenship is likely of the Peruvian section of another non -governmental to spring up, and it is these people who are today organization inofficial relations with WHO -the giving us the courage to speak in terms of eulogy Inter- American Association of Sanitary Engineering. of the work of the World Health Assembly. The I am pleased to say also that I have received a warm many generous contributions that have been paid message of greetings from Dr Sánchez Moreno, by representatives of governments, by many dis- Minister of Public Health and Social Welfare of tinguished persons at this Assembly and elsewhere, Peru, chief delegate of Peru at this Assembly.I wish would not have meant as much as they have meant to express to Dr Sánchez Moreno the very sincere to all of us if we had not felt that we were but an thanks of the Assembly for his kind words. echo voicing the feelings of the common man in Fellow delegates, just a few minutes ago I men- every country of the world to whom this great tioned that the speech of Sir Arcot Mudaliar allowed international organization has meant something so me to be very short in closing this commemorative intimate, so personal, and so beloved. session.We have come to the end of our special May this organization, therefore, continue to serve session devoted tothecelebration of the tenth in the same dedicated manner the people of the anniversary of our organization.We have heard world, to secure for them the fundamental right of much praise of the Organization, of its work, and every human being :the enjoyment of the highest of its Director - General and his staff, and I need add attainable standard of health without distinction of little to the unanimous expressions of satisfaction. race, religion, politicalbelief, economic or social Nevertheless, I may perhaps be allowed to say on condition.May we re- dedicate ourselvesin the behalf of the Assembly as a whole how grateful we second decade of the World Health Organization are to Dr Chisholm and Dr Candau, thanks to to the task which awaits us and to the measures whom our organization has been so well guided which we have to take in the common interest of since its inception and has gained recognition and man, who is the one person whose welfare we must respect throughout the world. all have at heart. The excellent preparation and organization of our The PRESIDENT : I thank you very much, Sir Arcot Tenth Anniversary Commemorative Sessionhas Mudaliar, for the splendid speech you have addressed been no surprise to us, but I am particularly pleased to this Assembly, and at the same time for making to convey our thanks to the Director -General and it much easier for me to sum up before the closure his whole staff for having coped with an unusual of this commemorative anniversary session. situation with their usual efficiency and calm. As you all know, the eleventh regular session of 12.Closure of the Session the World Health Assembly will open this afternoon The PRESIDENT : Now that we have concluded the at 3 o'clock in the auditorium of the Vocational list or speakers, I should like to make some announ- High School.I am sure thatits work will be cements.First, we have received a message from inspired by the many heartening words spoken here the members of two non -governmental organizations in the last two days. in official relations with the World Health Organ- With that I declare the Tenth Anniversary Com- ization -the International Commission on Radio- memorative Session of the World Health Assembly logical Units and Measurements and theInter- closed. national Commission on Radiological Protection. In their messages, the members of these two inter- The session adjourned at 11.30 a.m.