General News of Monday, 2 June 1997

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Forecast For 'Health For All By The Year 2000' Gloomy - Minority

Accra The Minority group in Parliament has said the forecast for "health for all by the year 2000" is gloomy and that widespread poverty will hinder its attainment. Dr Kwame Addo-Kufuor, NPP member for Manhyia and spokesman for health, said more resources should be made available and the right environment created for this forecast to be attained. In a statement to Parliament, the member said some successes have been achieved in the area of disease control, maternal and child health but there is the other negative sides to be tackled.

Tuberculosis, malaria, respiratory and gastro-intestinal infections and nutritional deficiencies continue to afflict the citizenry He called for inter-sectoral linkages and coordination since Ghana's health strategies fail to incorporate certain essential principles needed to set the agenda for the "health for all by the year 2000".

These principles include good and affordable housing, good drinking water, clean environment, employment, education, and adequate nutrition.