The plight of refugees fleeing war has always been a problem, but the situation as become severe during the last 50 years. Today, there are an estimated 16 million to 20 million people who have fled international conflict, civil war and famine. It is a burden that is becoming more and more difficult to carry as the numbers of refugees climb, mainly due to regional conflicts and natural disasters. The greatest burden often falls on developing countries close to the conflict, which cannot support the mass intervention required to save refugees from starvation and disease.
Developed countries spend billions of dollars per year on refugee support.
In 1980, WHO efforts resulted in the eradication of smallpox. WHO is also involved in efforts to improve drinking water supplies and sanitation services, and in programs to vaccinate children, prevent diarrhea and reduce parasitic diseases. One of the largest health programs ever launched is the WHO effort to prevent the spread of AIDS and deal with its after-effects, which often impact on whole populations in developing countries. Polio, tetanus, whooping cough, diphtheria and tuberculosis still kill more that eight million children each year. Canada has been one of the top two multilateral contributors of food aid in the world for many years.