It's the leading cause of death for women in their prime in the developed world. In my own country, it is hard to find a family, an office, or a neighborhood that has not been touched by this disease. Tobacco use is the number one preventable cause of death. As the WHO points out, we also need to recognize and effectively address the fact that women are far more likely to be exposed to work-related and environmental health hazards. Policies to alleviate and eliminate such health hazards associated with work in the home and in the workplace demand action.
Research also indicates that certain communicable diseases affect women in greater numbers.
Tuberculosis, for example, is responsible for the deaths of one million women each year and those in their early and reproductive years are most vulnerable. It is the health of their families and communities as well. Like many nations, the United States brings to this conference a serious commitment to improving women's health. We bring with us a series of initiatives which represent the first steps to carrying out this Conference's Platform for Action. We are continuing to work for health care reform to ensure that every citizen has access to affordable, quality care.