Health Care for All

The World Health Organization, the health arm of the United Nations, came into being when its constitution came into force in 1948. The constitution states, "The enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health is one of the fundamental rights of every human being without the distinction of race, religion, political belief, economic or social condition." Further, according to the WHO, "The right to health means that governments must generate conditions in which everyone can be as healthy as possible. Such conditions range from ensuring availability of health services, healthy and safe working conditions, adequate housing and nutritious food. The right to health does not mean the right to be healthy."

In September 1978 in the city of Alma Ata, then little known outside the Soviet Union, the global community came together and adopted the Declaration of Alma Ata, at the International Conference on Primary Health Care. The year 2000 was the target date for achievement of many of the goals. The Declaration could be called one of the precursors of the UN Millennium Development Goals.

Then, as now, the United States has lacked universally available primary health care affordable by all. Take the example of infant mortality rates, a sensitive indicator of good health and good health care. According to the estimated 2009 figures (CIA World Fact Book), the U.S. has higher infant mortality than not only the Nordic nations--well-known for their health care--, but also than countries including Cuba, Italy, Greece, Canada, Belgium, Austria, the United Kingdom, Australia, the Czech Republic, South Korea, Slovenia, Israel, France, Japan, Hong Kong and a number of others.

Let's consider chronic diseases -- now the major cause of death and disability worldwide. Noncommunicable conditions, including cardiovascular diseases (CVD), diabetes, obesity, cancer and respiratory diseases, now account for 59% of the 57 million deaths annually worldwide and 46% of the global burden of disease.

Here in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, "Chronic diseases—such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes—are the leading causes of death and disability in the United States. Chronic diseases account for 70% of all deaths in the U.S., which is 1.7 million each year. These diseases also cause major limitations in daily living for almost 1 out of 10 Americans or about 25 million people." Further, "Although chronic diseases are among the most common and costly health problems, they are also among the most preventable. Adopting healthy behaviors such as eating nutritious foods, being physically active, and avoiding tobacco use can prevent or control the devastating effects of these diseases."

As reported in a story on Forbes.com, "The conundrum, highlighted earlier this year when the Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice released its analysis of Medicare data, is a focus of this summer's health-reform debate. While it's estimated that Americans spent $2.4 trillion on health care last year and spending is expected to comprise 48% of the GDP by 2050, there is scant evidence to show that rising costs have led to improved health." To read more, click on this link.

President Obama's health care initiative seeks to bolster preventive care as well as curative health care. I strongly believe that we as Americans deserve a strong health bill that will curb costs, strengthen use of technology and wasteful duplicative recordkeeping, and offer excellent care to all, with choices for private or public payment. I believe this will increase competitiveness of our workforce and also of our businesses. A healthier population will be able to learn, to study, to challenge itself to a brighter future for our children.

Americans CAN come together for this reform of our health system. It is too important for us not to do! We voted for this in 2008 and now must act.