In addition, WHO s collaboration with the European Commission will today be enhanced through the signing, later today, of an exchange of letters. This builds on a very open and positive dialogue between us - on the new policy framework for action on major communicable diseases, and in the fields of tobacco control, environmental health and food safety. The exchange of letters will enable us to establish a broad and systematic collaboration on a wide range of issues. It provides for annual meetings at the political and technical levels in order to take stock of the existing cooperation, review priorities and build plans for the future. The economic and social consequences of ill health are becoming more evident at all levels of political dialogue.
Societies expect their governments to address an increasing number of important health issues.
WHO is responding to requests from its member states to help them take action to improve their people s health. For us this means concerted efforts in four directions. Helping to promote healthy lifestyles and reduce risks to health that arise from economic, social, environmental or behavioural causes. Helping to develop health systems that equitably improve health outcomes, respond to people's legitimate demands and are financially fair. Helping to promote an effective health dimension to environmental, economic, social and development policy.