PAHO News -- June 20, 2002

In this issue:
-THE PAN AMERICAN SANITARY CODE
-WHY DOES THE PROBLEM OF DRUG CONSUMPTION CONTINUE TO GROW IN THE
AMERICAS?
-PAHO 2003 TRAINING PROGRAM IN INTERNATIONAL HEALTH
-PUBLIC HEALTH HEROES
-IMPROVING THE HEALTH OF THE POOR FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
-NEW THERAPY FOR ‘BLACK FEVER’ NEARLY 100% EFFECTIVE
-PAHO JOB OPPORTUNITY: DISEASE PREVENTION AND CONTROL ADVISOR FOR
KINGSTON, JAMAICA
-NEXT WEEK'S PAHO NEWS WILL BE SENT OUT ON TUESDAY!
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THE PAN AMERICAN SANITARY CODE

The PAHO Pan American Sanitary Code is now available online. The objects
of this code are: prevention of the international spread of human
communicable infections; promotion of cooperative measures for
preventing spread of disease into and from the territories of the
signatory Governments; standardization of the collection of morbidity
and mortality statistics by the signatory Governments; stimulation of a
mutual interchange of information that may be of value in improving
public health and combatting human diseases; and, standardization of the
measures employed at places of entry, for preventing the introduction
and spread of human communicable diseases, so that greater protection
against them shall be achieved and unnecessary hindrance to
international commerce and communication eliminated. The code is
available at: http://www.paho.org/English/DBI/ECP/code_eng.htm.
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WHY DOES THE PROBLEM OF DRUG CONSUMPTION CONTINUE TO GROW IN THE
AMERICAS?

The countries of the Americas face a growing problem: their young people
continue to use drugs. Why can't this trend be reversed? What encourages
young people to consume addictive substances? The problem is not limited
to youth alone, but the rate of drug use in younger generations is more
alarming. Drug use has increased gradually but constantly, largely due
to higher consumption among young people 12 to 13 years old. Studies are
showing lower initiation ages into drug use and greater availability of
illegal drugs. Both industrialized countries and developing countries
face similar increases in the use of inhalants and hallucinogens in
young people from 12 to 17 years old, particularly among street
children, indigenous youth, and other marginalized adolescents.
Substances such as heroin, opiates, cocaine, and alcohol are also being
used at higher levels.  For more information, visit:
http://www.paho.org/English/DPI/100/100feature24.htm.
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PAHO 2003 TRAINING PROGRAM IN INTERNATIONAL HEALTH

Health professionals in the Americas, who have leadership skills as well
as an intense interest in the international dimensions of health, are
invited to apply for the Pan American Health Organization's 17th
Training Program in International Health (TPIH-2003). The training
process involves participants in a work-study format at PAHO for a
period of 11 months starting January 27, 2003.

Canadian residents can request an application form and a complete
information package via electronic mail to the following address:
[log in to unmask] The duly completed application form must be sent
care of: María-Victoría Palacio, CSIH-PAHO Liaison Assistant, Canadian
Society for International Health, One Nicholas Street, Suite 1105,
Ottawa, Ontario, K1N 7B7. Deadline for submission of applications: July
31, 2002.

For more information, visit:
http://www.paho.org/English/HSP/HSR/pfsiabout.htm.
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PUBLIC HEALTH HEROES

As part of its Centennial celebration, the Pan American Health
Organization is recognizing Public Health Heroes for their invaluable
contributions to public health in the Americas. They come from a broad
range of backgrounds and fields of work and share one common goal:
improving the health and well-being of the peoples of the Western
Hemisphere. Among the heroes is the Honourable Marc Lalonde, of Canada.
Lalonde, an attorney who served as Minister of Health and Welfare,
published proposals for a major reform of the Canadian social security
system in 1972. In 1974, he published "New Perspectives on the Health of
Canadians," a document that became known as "The Lalonde Report." The
report was internationally acclaimed for its radical departure from
traditional policies and its advocacy of health promotion by developing
a blueprint for a prevention-oriented national medical system. The
Public Health Heroes represent a select few among the countless heroes
behind the ongoing struggles and remarkable achievements in the quest
for a healthy Americas. To read more about PAHO's Public Health Heroes,
visit: http://www.paho.org/English/DPI/100/heroes.htm
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IMPROVING THE HEALTH OF THE POOR FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Senior officials from developing countries and development partners met
at the World Health Organization's Geneva headquarters earlier this week
in order to start turning theory (on improving health, which spurs
economic development) into action. Health, finance and planning
ministries of about 20 developing countries are meeting with partners
from a dozen bilateral agencies and foundations on how best to apply
revolutionary findings from The Commission on Macroeconomics and Health
(CMH). The CMH delivered a pioneering report on "Investing in Health for
Economic Development" six months ago (available online at:
http://www3.who.int/whosis/cmh/cmh_report/e/report.cfm?path=cmh,cmh_repo
rt&language=english). The report generated intense interest in the
development community.  For more information, visit:
http://www.who.int/inf/en/pr-2002-47.html.
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NEW THERAPY FOR ‘BLACK FEVER’ NEARLY 100% EFFECTIVE

Scientists have developed a new treatment for visceral leishmaniasis, a
disease also known as "black fever" and "kala azar." The new drug,
miltefosine (Impavido®), could save most of the 60,000 who die from the
disease every year. Miltefosine is likely to cost less and is much
easier to deliver than all current therapies. In clinical trials, it
cured 95% of treated patients. Leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease
which is transmitted through the bite of the tiny and silent sandfly.
The disease is found in parts of 88 countries. While the 350 million
people living in those areas are the most vulnerable, others at risk
include travellers such as adventure vacationers, missionaries,
development workers, and soldiers. Leishmaniasis is one of the neglected
diseases that have become a special focus at the World Health
Organization. These are diseases which afflict the world’s poorest
people. About 80% of the victims of leishmaniasis, for example, earn
less than $2 a day. These neglected diseases receive relatively little
funding or public attention.
http://www.who.int/inf/en/pr-2002-46.html
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PAHO JOB OPPORTUNITY: DISEASE PREVENTION AND CONTROL ADVISOR FOR
KINGSTON, JAMAICA

PAHO is seeking an advisor to work under the general supervision of the
Director, Division of Disease Prevention and Control (HCP), and the
direct supervision of the PAHO/WHO Representative (PWR), in Kingston,
Jamaica.  The successful candidate will serve in an advisory capacity on
aspects related to disease prevention and control, and epidemiological
information. For a more detailed job description, visit:
http://pahoapl.paho.org/pahoexternalenglish/ASEPage_JobDetail.ASP.  The
closing date for applications is July 4, 2002.
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NEXT WEEK'S PAHO NEWS WILL BE SENT OUT ON TUESDAY!

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