Better heath will lead to a more stable world, says David Byrne
Addressing poverty, disease and global health issues will make a real difference to global security in the long term, said EU Health and Consumer Protection Commissioner David Byrne, speaking at a European health forum on 8 October. According to the Commissioner, health could play a vital role in shaping a progressive relationship between Europe and its global partners, and the EU should aim to become a leading global partner for health. 'We have now to step up to the mark and meet our responsibilities to work for peace, prosperity and security on the global stage in new and effective ways,' said Mr Byrne. 'In place of the old-world muscular ideology of force, Europe needs to find more innovative ways to work with our partners to avoid conflict, deepen interdependence and make economic and social progress. By placing the improvement of global health at the centre of our emerging foreign policy agenda, we could transform our international partnerships, tackle a root cause of instability and make a persuasive case for the practical benefits of progressive politics', he added. Mr Byrne called on the EU to focus on addressing the global health-gap, increasing life expectancy, reducing infant mortality and improving maternal health. He also reminded his audience that Europe is already playing a leading role in tackling communicable diseases, mainstreaming healthcare in poverty reduction, and in developing vital clinical research platforms. 'We have worked hard with our partners to secure the Doha declaration on TRIPs and public health, to facilitate access to essential medicines in less-developed countries,' added Mr Byrne. 'In all of this, we can begin to see the outlines of a coherent overarching EU global health strategy.' Mr Byrne explained that the European Commission is working in collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO) to put in place a modern global framework to control the spread of communicable diseases. Furthermore, both organisations are close to delivering the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, the first-ever global public health treaty. Explaining his vision for health in twenty years time, Mr Byrne said that it is a vision 'where politics, money and modern technology are all geared towards good health, and where citizens live longer, happier and more productive lives.' In order to take forward this ambitious global health agenda, concluded Dr Byrne, all stakeholders must work alongside governments, civil society, professional organisations and those active in the field of health and healthcare.