This time the focus is on partnership in action. The London Conference is about building a common action agenda, learning to work better across ministries and across political, economic, social and geographical boundaries to address urgent problems and improve people's health. Ministers will be asked to sign a legally binding Protocol on Water and Health. The Protocol will provide a strong legal platform for public health advocates to challenge agricultural and industrial polluters and mobilize the many partners in various sectors needed to ensure that safe water, which is so basic to health, is available for all. A new Charter on Transport, Environment and Health is on the ministers' agenda for adoption.
Road traffic is the most rapidly growing source of pollution in Europe.
Rising mortality from road accidents in the eastern part of the Region also highlights the seriousness of the gap between east and west in almost all indicators of environmental health status. Health effects of climate change are already being detected. There is concern that children are at even greater risk from untested chemicals and other environmental contaminants than are adults and are not getting the special protection they need. Access to reliable, independent information is too often blocked. If we take decisive action here in London it will have a major impact on environment and health policies around the world.