“Ladies and Gentlemen, The ‘commodity’ of health is a structural element in the value system of contemporary western culture and is recognised as a fundamental right of the individual. The definition of Health currently in effect is included in the preamble to the W.H.O. constitution. It was adopted by the International Conference on Health (New York, 19-22 June 1946), went into effect on 7 April 1948, and remains unaltered: “Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” We cannot accept inequalities in health, not just from a humanitarian or social standpoint, but also from a politico-economic perspective, as health is a productive resource and a factor in the stabilisation and peace of modern states.In this context, states promote actions aimed at ensuring and improving the level of their citizens’ health. As an invaluable supporter of these effort, the World Health Organization aims to help all the peoples of the earth gain the highest possible level of Health. To this end, it provides services on a global scale to each state, it encourages medical research, granting scholarships, it organizes workshops and numerous reports and seminars on how to safeguard health. The founding of the permanent W.H.O. office in Greece is an important step that imparts standing and security to our country, giving it high status in public health issues. The World Health Organization’s expertise in developing and implementing public health policies, with emphasis on prevention and health education, is an important factor that assists with the planning, legislation and implementation of health policies in our country. At the same time, the W.H.O. office in Greece – due to our country’s geographical position – has the potential to play a salient role in the wider region, through an expanded agenda. The government and the World Health Organization mark the initiation of cooperation on the highest level; cooperation focused on universal coverage of citizens and Greece’s experience in meeting the health needs of refugees, migrants and other vulnerable groups. Cooperation that we can also expect to strengthen W.H.O. know-how, our common outlook and joint actions, on a European and global level.”
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