Recife, April 14, 2004 (Agência Brasil) - Speaking today at the opening of the International Health Forum, in Recife, Northeast Brazil, the representative of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) in Brazil, Waldemar Wirsing, emphasized that health is a key element in national development.

Wirsing pointed out that notable progress has been made in the health conditions of the Latin American population. "Between 1990 and 1999 the infant mortality rate was reduced from 39 to 29 per thousand live births. Vaccination coverage of children under the age of 1 rose from 79% to 90% during this period, and the index of births accompanied by qualifed professionals increased from 78% to 86% in various countries, Brazil among them," he affirmed.

The IDB representative said that, despite the progress, there is still much to be done, since the rates of maternal mortality remain significant, and many nations still present a high incidence of contagious diseases, such as malaria, Chagas disease, and tuberculosis.

According to Wirsing, chronic diseases caused by drinking, smoking, and sedentary habits produce an enormous volume of illnesses and mortality, which could be prevented through campaigns. The greatest challenge, in his view, is to promote social inclusion, to give the population effective access to health systems.

Translator: David Silberstein