Swine Flu And Climate Change Are Inextricably Related

Main Category: Swine Flu
Also Included In: Flu / Cold / SARS;  Public Health;  Respiratory / Asthma
Article Date: 30 Apr 2009 - 5:00 PDT

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"Swine flu and climate change are inextricably related" says Angela Mawle, CEO of the UK Public Health Association. "Both are the end results of unbridled economic growth, environmental degradation and industrial agricultural practices. When will we ever learn that prevention is better than cure?" she asked. "Vaccinations against smallpox heralded a new era for worldwide human health but how can we keep up with providing protection against the accelerating mutations of viruses being manufactured under our very noses?"

Angela Mawle also delivered a session to the World Congress on Public Health in Istanbul warning of the catastrophic impacts of climate change and unsustainable development on human health. Climate change is a direct result of unsustainable development as is environment degradation and the emergence and spread of diseases which have their roots in the combination of intensive agricultural practices and food production.

Speaking at the Congress Angela Mawle said, "It is imperative that the public health community across the globe speak truth to power and ensure that politicians act to avoid the environmental and health crises that are developing before their eyes."

Further information on Swine Flu

• See a Map Of H1N1 Outbreaks
• See our Mexico Swine Flu Blog

Notes

The UKPHA is an independent, UK wide voluntary association, which through its membership brings together, individuals and organisations from all sectors who share a common commitment to promoting the public's health. The organisation seeks to promote the development of healthy public policy at all levels of government and across all sectors. It acts as an information platform and aims to support those working in public health both professionally or in a voluntary capacity.

UKPHA continues to influence at national, regional and local levels. Focussing on its three key priorities -combating health inequalities, promoting sustainable development, challenging anti-health forces.

UKPHA works closely with Government bodies from England, Scotland and Wales and further developed links with colleagues who work in public health across the British Isles and wider Europe. http://www.ukpha.org.uk

The 12th World Congress on Public Health is being held in Istanbul, Turkey (April 27 - May 01, 2009) and is organised by the World Federation of Public Health Associations (WFPHA) (http://www.wfpha.org). The Congress aims to address the enormous challenges and opportunities for public health organisations worldwide and be an opportunity for getting together with the various professionals and disciplines related to Public Health, at a national and international level and share the latest ideas and experiences in public health education, research and practice.

Source
UKPHA