Minister’s Message: World Health Day

World Health Day provides an occasion to focus on how essential good health is to giving children in developing countries a brighter future. The challenge is immense. Each year, nearly 10 million children under the age of five die from preventable illnesses, HIV/AIDS claims more than two million lives, and tuberculosis, nearly as many. Developing countries are especially vulnerable to the spread of disease due to the world food crisis and the lack of clean drinking water.

Good health is the foundation for sustainable social, economic and human development. It makes it possible for students to learn, parents to nurture, and men, women and children to take an active role in their communities. While global health has improved significantly over the past few decades, the greatest burden of disease is still borne by those living in poverty.

Canada is contributing to improving the health of millions in developing countries.We have supported vaccination programs to combat tuberculosis, measles and polio. Canada is also a leader in the provision of micronutrients. The Government of Canada has taken advantage of its own expertise in health care to improve the skills of healthcare workers worldwide and has played a large part in ensuring access to basic health services.

Canada is working with our partners to improve access to basic health services, for those that need it most.