The United Nations and Global Health Matters

By Dr. J. Michael Adams

October 2001

On October 24, the world will mark the 56^th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations on UN Day. As the New Jersey United Nations Day Chairman, I am proud to celebrate the UN's efforts to bring the world together in common cause against poverty, injustice and violence. New Jersey, in particular, has a special opportunity to lead the nation and the world in combating another global scourge — infectious disease.

We all know about the human and economic devastation caused by the HIV/AIDS pandemic, as well as the economic and social consequences of the spread and drug-resistance of diseases such as tuberculosis, hepatitis and malaria. However, few know the important role Americans can and do play in improving health around the world. Few have heard the success stories, such as both simple and high-tech innovations in prevention and treatment of malaria, that demonstrate the importance of international cooperation and coordination through the United Nations in addressing these problems.

This year the theme for UN Day is improving global health. And New Jersey is in the forefront of these efforts. New Jersey has the world's leading research institutes and drug manufacturers, and world-class hospitals, doctors, practitioners and educational facilities. And all of these are in the business of finding solutions to health problems, as well as issues that impact health, like poverty and illiteracy, in communities near and far. New Jerseyans should be proud of our contribution to improving global health.

But there is more that we can and must do — individual and collective contributions toward improving the health and well-being of our neighbors, both here and abroad. In the wake of the tragic events of September 11^th, many Americans are realizing that our fate is inextricably tied to that of others throughout the world. Indeed, it is increasingly important for all of us to strengthen our personal and collective commitment to greater international cooperation as well as to adopt a truly global perspective on a wide range of issues and concerns.

I am certain that we can and will contribute the knowledge, skills and resources that are so abundant here in New Jersey to the UN-led efforts to reverse the devastating impact of killer diseases such as HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria and others that kill children, infants and mothers and fathers around the world. We have all witnessed in recent days how ordinary people can do extraordinary things, and this has increased my faith in the compassion and generosity of New Jerseyans and all Americans for each other and the rest of the world. United Nations Day is a chance for each of us to respond to the call for help in conquering infectious diseases, to do the extraordinary by putting our compassion and generosity to work for people and their health.

New Jersey pharmaceutical and health care companies need to continue groundbreaking research into new cures and effective therapies for ailments that plague many people and find ways to make these treatments accessible and affordable. Health professionals and public health officials need to work with educators and community organizations to increase public understanding and awareness of communicable diseases that are impacting our communities. And, all New Jersey residents and citizens can support legislation — like the Global Health Act of 2001, which would increase the funds provided to U.S. international health programs — and make contributions to charities and/or health service organizations that are on the front lines in the global campaign to improve health.  

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