Vatican City, 21 May 2014 (VIS) –
Archbishop Zygmunt Zimowski, head of the Holy See delegation, spoke
at the 67th World Health Assembly in Geneva. “The Holy See is
cognizant of the devastating impact of climate change, as reported by
the WHO Secretariat, in various reports and advisories. That impact
often is estimated in terms of additional financial costs and burden
of care to be assumed by both governmental and non-governmental
health care structures. Climate change also deeply affects the social
and environmental determinants of health, including clear air, safe
drinking water, supply of sufficient and nutritious food, and
adequate shelter”, he said, emphasising that the Pope, in
expressing his concern regarding the voracious exploitation of
environmental resources, has “called for responsibility on the
part of all in pursuing policies that are respectful of the earth
which is our common home”.
“The Holy See delegation is happy to
note that the reports before us and the WHO work-plan on climate
change and health are part of this much desired rethinking and
solidarity”, he continued. “This growing ecological awareness
needs to be helped to develop and mature, and find fitting expression
in concrete programmes and initiatives, especially climate-resilient
pathways for sustainable development, as well as appropriate
transformations in economic, social, technological and political
decisions and actions”.
The prelate went on to commend the
secretariat for the report on efforts made in the management of
autism spectrum disorders, which among others shows progress made in
creating awareness, clearing some of the myths surrounding autism,
forging partnerships with civil society organisations committed to
improving services and setting priorities for national and
sub-national actions”. Archbishop Zimowski expressed the Holy See's
wish to contribute to these efforts with an International Conference
organized by the Pontifical Council for Health Care Workers, to be
held in the Vatican this coming November 20- 22, on the topic: “The
Person with Autism Spectrum Disorders: Stir Hope”.
Finally, with regard to with regard to
maternal, infant and young child nutrition, the prelate remarked upon
the delegation's satisfaction to note that “breastfeeding has been
included as Global Target in the Strategy and is proposed as a key
indicator for monitoring progress towards achieving the targets.
Breastfeeding is a major protection against early child malnutrition
and should therefore be protected and promoted as part of primary
healthcare. It should be guaranteed by laws governing workplace
practice and there should be acceptance for breastfeeding even in
public”, he concluded.
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