Revista panamericana de salud pública = Pan American journal of public health
-
Rev. Panam. Salud Publica · Oct 1998
Historical Article[The World Health Organization is 50 years old].
In celebration of the World Health Organization's 50th anniversary, this article features WHO's contribution to the world by examining its current activities in the areas of health, human rights, and development. It briefly summarizes events leading to its establishment over the period from 1851 to 1948, which marks the year when WHO assumed its role as a specialized body of the United Nations. ⋯ A brief overview of the last 20 years ends with the introduction of WHO's new Director General, Dr. Gro Harlem Brundtland.
-
Many cancer patients die after a prolonged period of deterioration marked by intense physical and emotional suffering. However, in an effort to control the illegal market, many countries have adopted regulations that restrict or prohibit the therapeutic use of opioid analgesics, which could improve the quality of life of these patients. The World Health Organization has responded to this problem by making palliative care a priority of its Cancer Program. The countries have been urged to establish measures and governmental policies that will make opioid analgesics more accessible for alleviating cancer pain.
-
Rev. Panam. Salud Publica · May 1997
[Nutritional status of preschool children in Ciudad de La Habana from 1972 to 1993].
Two anthropometric surveys of children and adolescents have been carried out in Cuba with national samples. A third study done in the province of Ciudad de la Habana provided information on the physical characteristics of the population in that area and a baseline for the periodic evaluation of its nutritional status. This article compares the weight and height results obtained in these surveys for children 0 to 5 years old who lived in this province with the international reference standards proposed by WHO. ⋯ In 1993, the prevalence of low height-for-age was 3.1%; that of low weight-for-height, 0.4%; and that of low weight-for-age, 1.5%. Overweight was the most common type of malnutrition, with a prevalence of 5.2%. Between 1972 and 1993, the prevalence of chronic malnutrition fell 32.6%, acute malnutrition was reduced by 69.2%; malnutrition of all types decreased by 44.4%; and overweight fell 48.5%.