Statement by
H.E. Mr. Yaakov Litzman, Deputy Minister of Health,
Distinguished President,
The human race has made great strides in the past century. Life expectancy has doubled due to miraculous medical achievements and the ability of our health systems to diminish the threat of infectious diseases.
With this rise in life expectancy, our health systems are faced with a new challenge today: an alarming rise in non-communicable diseases. Today, NCDs represent 80% of the burden on global health services and 60% of the global mortality rate.
NCDs are a global issue. Combating NCDs does not lie only within the jurisdiction of independent health ministries: it also demands collaboration within our countries across different sectors. It requires the combined efforts of the private and public sectors, and the active participation of civil society and the media. Finally, it requires significant collaboration between countries.
Mr. President,
Like all countries in the world, Israel has felt the devastating pain of NCDs, and wants to be a part of the solution.
Studies have shown that the morbidity and mortality of NCDs are not equal among all sectors of our society, which includes citizens from over 90 countries. Therefore, we must strive to provide the best possible service to all people within our society – whether they are Jews, Muslims or Christians.
Mr. President,
The Government of Israel has enacted a number of policies to promote awareness about early detection and to find cures to diseases that currently have none. Israeli scientists have gained a reputation for their cancer research, which is widely shared in the international scientific literature.
My ministry has introduced immunization against Hepatitis B. This program has helped to reduce the morbidity of the disease – and diminish its deadly side effects, such as cancer of the liver.
We have also introduced immunization against the Papilloma Virus in girls and young women, which will reduce the morbidity of cervical cancer.
More than 70% of women age 50 and over are screened for breast cancer – a disease that affects approximately one in eight women in Israel. New cutting-edge technologies for prevention, screening, diagnostics and treatment of NCDs have been added to the services provided by the National Health Insurance Law.
Mr. President,
Israel’s commitment to fighting NCDs is also reflected in its wide-range of partnerships throughout the developing world. For example, MASHAV — Israel’s Agency for International Development Cooperation – and Insulin for Life Australia recently donated medical supplies to Tonga for the treatment of diabetes. MASHAV is also leading the fight against Neglected Tropical Diseases in Ethiopia, where it is facilitating groundbreaking workshops on de-worming.
Mr. President,
We must effectively deal with the causes of these diseases, before we turn our sights toward possible cures for them. We must galvanize the public behind this cause. We must promote better nutrition, educate our people about the effects of alcohol and tobacco use, and work to diminish environmental pollution.
As it is written in the holy Bible – “these commandments are not in heaven.” God has given us the opportunity to lead our people, and especially our youth, to better health. Investing in this cause and putting NCDs on the national and international agenda, helps to ensure a brighter future for all of us.
Israel looks forward to working in collaboration with our neighbors and countries all over the globe on this crucial issue.
Mr. President,
Allow me to end with an expression of hope and prayer.
An IDF soldier, Gilad Shalit, kidnapped by terrorists, is being held by force in the Gaza Strip.
Two weeks ago we marked his birthday, his fifth in captivity.
Not a single person has been allowed to visit this boy for more than 1900 days. Not his parents.
Not a doctor. Not even the Red Cross.
We are all responsible for the lives and well-being of our citizens. I issue a call from this hall to all the countries of the world: Let Gilad Shalit go free! The international community must do all in its power to bring Gilad home.
Thank you Mr. President.