The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), which is also the World Health Organization regional office for the Americas, is addressing health in its broadest economic, social, and increasingly spiritual, dimensions.

PAHO Director Dr. George A.O.Alleyne, in his report to Ministers of Health during the September 1998 Pan American Sanitary Conference in Washington, D.C., stated, AWhile acknowledging the association between poverty and health, we have over the past four years argued more vigorously that it is the roots of economic inequality that must be addressed. Indeed, inequality of social and environmental assets - such as education, clean water supply, and a healthy environment - contributes to the continual heavy burden of poverty in the Americas. Traditional approaches to seeking economic growth and providing a safety net for those who, according to the basic tenets of the market, must inevitably be left behind no longer suffice. We at PAHO continue to prefer the thesis that investment in health can, through a variety of mechanisms, both reduce income inequality and be an instrument for economic growth.@

The majority of the countries, particularly the developed ones, have recorded impressive gains in health status and living conditions. Unfortunately, the current economic, political and social systems functioning in most societies have not sufficiently strengthened relationships based on sharing and caring - the bonds sustaining and controlling inter-generational relations and the institutions which preserve primary social units such as the family. Today's reality throughout the world is marked by large-scale poverty where a dignified place is denied to large groups of the population. It is the absolute poverty as well as the unequal distribution of wealth that contributes to ill health and is an incubator for many of the new or reemerging diseases.

RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATIONS AND HEALTH

It is necessary to engage all social institutions in efforts to protect human life. Religious organizations, with their close relationship with communities and population groups, have a special capacity to enhance and protect human life and health. Since the beginning of his administration as PAHO Director in 1995, Dr. Alleyne has emphasized the need to mobilize institutions that work in the social field for the improvement of the health conditions of the peoples of the Americas. AOur cautious but firm approach to religious institutions is another example of our willingness to seek new alliances and new partners in the increasingly powerful society - always with the specific aim of furthering the cause of health,@ he stated.

Religious organizations have traditionally been strong supporters of peace, solidarity, and social behaviors that contribute to better health. They see improving health levels of populations as not only a desirable goal per se, but also a prerequisite for optimal performance in all areas, including spiritual life. A focus on the promotion of health is timely, and organized religion is in a unique position to do this. Given their physical presence in the community and the attention paid to them by groups as well as individuals, religious leaders enjoy a privileged role in the promotion of health.

Religious institutions throughout history have been concerned with the provision of humanitarian help and health care to those in need. In many countries they established institutions devoted to the care of patients with contagious diseases and to the destitute. There is now an urgent need for religious organizations to strengthen health promotional and educational strategies as a powerful instrument to protect and improve life. They must go beyond charitable programs and increase their participation in the promotion of health and healthy living conditions. As Chinua Akukwe wrote in issue # 2 of The CCIH Forum, AChristian health services need to set the example and demonstrate that balancing prevention and promotion with curative care, particularly at the community level, is the most effective and responsible approach.@

The participation of religious organizations in the transmission of essential basic health knowledge and information, particularly in the developing world, could represent the most significant factor in the reduction of inequities and enhancement of human development for the next millennium.

PAHO'S CONSULTATIVE MEETING

To foster cooperation between PAHO and religious institutions, a consultative meeting was held at PAHO headquarters in Washington, D.C. on March 27, 1998. A strong consensus emerged that the time and conditions are ripe for developing joint activities in health between PAHO/WHO and interested religious organizations.

The concept of health promotion as an important strategy for achieving better health was accepted by all. Religious organizations, in addition to their traditional role of rendering care to the sick, are particularly well-positioned to promote better living conditions as well as healthier lifestyles. The meeting affirmed that there is considerable similarity between PAHO/WHO and organized religions in their stated objectives and areas of work in the health field. Health objectives at the national and community level can be achieved more effectively by enhanced cooperation between PAHO and religious institutions in selected sub-sectors as well as in specific geographic areas.

Collaboration between religious institutions and PAHO/WHO in the health field can form a powerful alliance because it capitalizes on their respective strengths. Religious organizations are in a favorable position to influence the attainment of these goals by virtue of their presence in the community. Several models of promotion and education work systematically within conventional settings, such as schools and families, on specific public health topics such as nutrition, tobacco and violence. PAHO/WHO as well as religious organizations have developed a wealth of materials dealing with health promotion in these areas.

Health policies and health legislation are strong instruments in support of health promotion and in enhancing recognition by the public of the significance of specific health themes. The consultation called for collaborative efforts among governments, non-governmental organizations, and other international agencies. For parallel evidence of the growing interest of the World Bank in the role of faith institutions in development, see articles in issues # 1 and 2 of The CCIH Forum.

Since the March meeting, Dr. Alleyne on various occasions has committed PAHO/WHO, according to its possibilities, to provide energy and support to coordinate and sustain this initiative and expand the network of religious organizations interested in advancing health issues.