Gesundheitspflege als Aufgabe der Weltpolitik¹

Zusammenfassung

Die Weltgesundheitsorganisation ist 1948 auf Vorschlag Brasiliens gegründet worden. Die Bundesrepublik ist seit 1951 Mitglied. Es wird ein Überblick über die Entwicklung und die Ziele dieser Organisation gegeben und über eigene Erfahrungen berichtet, die während der Tagungen dieser Organisation und einer Reise in Mexiko gesammelt werden konnten. Es ist heute eine vordringliche Aufgabe, die Öffentlichkeit in Deutschland auf die Bedeutung gesundheitspolitischer Fragen mit allem Nachdruck aufmerksam zu machen. Gesundheitsprobleme sind heute ein wesentlicher Bestandteil der Politik eines jeden Staates.

Summary

The author reports on the 1955 meeting of the World Health Organization (WHO) and briefly reviews the history and aims of this body, especially with regard to the participation of the German Federal Republic in its deliberations and activities. — The author then briefly describes his impressions of the efforts of the Mexican Government to improve public health and living standards, including child and maternal welfare, in Mexico's outlying districts. — The program of the WHO for the eradication of malaria is then discussed. The complexity of the problem is mentioned and the indiscriminate use of insecticides condemned. — The deliberations of the WHO on poliomyelitis immunisation and the medical problems of the peaceful use of atomic energy are briefly listed. — In discussing the development of an international public health program, the absence of training facilities in this field in Germany is regretfully recorded. Instruction and training is often desired by foreign doctors wishing to study German public health measures. Mention is made of past efforts by German medical and public health organizations in cooperating with other countries in disaster relief and the control of epidemics. — Finally, the present lessened reputation of German medicine is considered. Modern German medical literature is only rarely found in foreign libraries. Even undeveloped countries often can provide laboratory and research facilities which surpass those in Germany. A similar situation exists with regard to modern public health facilities. But many foreign representatives would welcome cooperation with the German Federal Republic. — An appeal is made for an active public health program in Germany, stressing the training of experts and the need for enlisting the cooperation of the population in providing much needed facilities.

Resumen

La Higiene como misión de la política mundial

La Organización Mundial de Sanidad fué fundada en 1948 a propuesta del Brasil, siendo la República Federal miembro de ella desde 1951. Se da un resumen acerca del desarrolla y finalidad de esta Organización y sobre las experiencias propias adquiridas durante las sesiones de la misma así como las que se pudieron reunir en un viaje por Méjico. Es misión importante hoy en día llamar la atención por todos los medios a la opinión pública en Alemania sobre la significación de las cuestiones políticas sanitarias. Problemas sanitarios son hoy por hoy factores importantes en la política de cada estado.