Vision

Health as a fundamental right

The World Health Organisation defines health as a state of physical, psychological, and social wellbeing. Obviously, one cannot guarantee health to individual persons. But one can create an environment where people have maximum opportunity for healthy living. 

Health is a fundamental human right, and thus a social, economic and political issue. It is clear that covering the basic needs - food, drink, clothing, housing,... - is essential to a healthy life. Of course there is more to it. Health is only possible in an environment that offers opportunities for education, training and employment. An environment where girls and women enjoy the same rights and privileges as men do. An environment that offers safety, because it is in times of crisis that the right to health is mostly violated. 

We have only one earth, one large and fragile ecosystem, that we must share with all living beings in a fair and reasonable way.  This is called sustainable development. It implies long term vision and exceeds narrow-minded political and economic thinking. It requires a redistribution of power and means, and the rethinking of concepts such as solidarity and other social relationships. 'Health and Health Care for all' are inextricably connected to the concept of sustainable development', and it will take an immense and long term effort to attain.  

Declaration on "Health Care for All"

The International Health Issue 

Health issues have always laid a heavy burden on daily life and on development in general in the South.  However, in the last few decades, the spread of Hiv/Aids, the rise of existing plagues such as malaria and tuberculosis, the rise of new diseases and the failure of health services have led to disastrous situations in many countries and regions.  A fast and effective solution is necessary, both for the countries involved and for the international community.  This is not only a human duty, but it has a broader importance, because the general wellbeing and stability of these countries is being undermined. 
 
Although the investment in health care for the countries in the South is still disgracefully low in comparison to military expenditure, the growing political awareness in North and South has led to a number of global initiatives in health care and a commitment for substantial financial means.  The coherence of these programmes is certainly not optimal and the available funds as well as the effective application thereof are as yet insufficient. However, if the current efforts are further strengthened, improved and maintained, there will be hope for a better future and better access to health and health care for millions of people. 

It is clear that the communities, organisations, and public instances involved need to have things under control in those countries and have the necessary capacities at their disposal or be able to develop them further. Development cooperation can play a supporting role in this. The driving force however, needs to come from the local people, the communities and the government. The creation of a framework for health care is a public responsability. The public goal, the realisation of accessible and affordable quality health care should be its main aim.

So what are the Belgian actors doing?

Belgium is a small country, but it has a strong tradition in international health care, both in humanitarian aid and in development cooperation. The government, NGOs, academic institutions and strong individuals played and play an important role. Belgian stakeholders in international health care share pretty much the same conclusion. It is expressed in the Health Care for All declaration. This declaration came about during the Health Care for All conference in October 2001, organised by the Belgian Development Cooperation and the Institute of Tropical Medicine in the context of the Belgian chairmanship of the European Union.  The writing of this declaration was prepared and ratified by over 20 ministers  of Public Health and their representatives from the South . Even though the context is evolving fast, the basics of this declaration remain topical. We will continue our efforts to strengthen local health care. Without a well-oiled network of health services that is at the service of the entire population and which does not lose sight of its most pressing needs, the goals that were set can never be met.