Working with others will translate ideas and commitments into better and more effective health systems. Then we must help policy-makers, regulatory authorities and trade bodies make the best decisions possible. The tougher the issue for society, the greater the need for WHO to help decision-makers reach informed judgements. We in WHO have learnt that programmes and policies are most likely to be sustained and successful if the people they are meant to serve are engaged in their design and implementation. Initiatives that rely on one sector alone are less likely to be effective than multi-sectoral efforts.
Local initiatives are more likely to be effective when supported through global efforts.
The issue of tobacco illustrates this. The current annual toll of 4 million tobacco deaths world-wide will rise to 10 million by 2030. Seventy per cent of the increase will damage developing countries. The WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control will become one of the most powerful tools to promote health. Full negotiation on this item will begin in October, and already we see emerging unprecedented global support for strong action.