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 10 July 2009
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Economic and Social Council: more needed to fight poverty and hunger

10/07/2009

In Geneva, the UN Economic and Social Council concluded its High-Level Segment with a call for global cooperation to boost public health.

It noted that public health challenges, in light of the inter-related food, economic and climate crises are stalling efforts to reach development targets. Sha Zukang, UN Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs, observed that the session was held when good news was scarce and news of suffering and adversity is abundant. Delegates had come together to produce the Ministerial Declaration, said the Under-Secretary-General, which covers a number of areas:

"First, maternal mortality received the prominence it deserved at this session. Second, if we were to resolve our concerns in health, we must begin with a primary health care and south-south health systems. Third, the emerging challenges in health were also discussed in depth."

When the meeting opened, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called on rich and poor nations to boost efforts to fight poverty and hunger, saying that overall progress had been too slow to attain most of the Millennium Development Goals.
Gerry Adams, United Nations Radio.
(duration: 1'12")

Sound bites

Sha Zukang, UN Under-Secretary-General, Economic and Social Affairs, speaking at conclusion of ECOSOC High Level Segment

First, maternal mortality received the prominence it deserved at this session. Second, if we were to resolve our concerns in health, we must begin with a primary health care and south-south health systems. Third, the emerging challenges in health were also discussed in depth.
Outcue: in depth.
Duration: 00:00:19

Sha Zukang, UN Under-Secretary-General, Economic and Social Affairs, speaking at conclusion of ECOSOC High Level Segment

Developing countries brought to our attention the non-communicable diseases and injuries that were taking a toll on their populations. Moreover, previously neglected tropical diseases remain a scourge.
Outcue: a scourge.
Duration: 00:00:13

Sha Zukang, UN Under-Secretary-General, Economic and Social Affairs, speaking at conclusion of ECOSOC High Level Segment

They were cautious in their comments on the pace of economic recovery and its expected time frame. Recovery will be long and arduous, especially in terms of increased employment, which ultimately has an important way of alleviating poverty and improving consumer demand.
Outcue: consumer demand.
Duration: 00:00:20

Sha Zukang, UN Under-Secretary-General, Economic and Social Affairs, speaking at conclusion of ECOSOC High Level Segment

All expressed concern that developing countries would bear the brunt of the crisis.
Outcue: the crisis.
Duration: 00:00:05