Europe's 53 member states of the World Health Organisation (WHO) today pledged to implement national programmes aimed at providing equal health opportunities to children in their countries by 2020, according to dpa. In a final declaration after a three-day conference in Parma, Italy, they agreed to ensure access to safe water and sanitation, give children opportunities for physical activity and a healthy diet, improved air quality and an environment free of toxic chemicals. Governments vowed to tackle the adverse health impact of climate change and to reduce social and gender inequalities in exposure to health risks. They also pledged to place health at the centre of socioeconomic development through increased investment in new technologies and environmentally friendly "green" jobs. Delegates underlined that the health sector, one of the most energy-intensive sectors in all countries, should lead moves to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the public sector by rationalizing energy use. They also agreed to strengthen early-warning surveillance and preparedness systems for extreme weather events and disease outbreaks. Member States will gather in Moscow for the 16th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe, the WHO's highest decision-making body at the regional level, to endorse the outcome of this week's conference.
