(HEMA) Initiative. - OAS

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PREVIOUS DOCUMENTS Base Document for the Meeting of <strong>HEMA</strong> llenge for the Region. Admittedly, however, the efforts involved are great; socio-economic conditions have generally deteriorated in the countries; and there are strong disparities between Region countries. Different types of external financing will be needed for the necessary investments which, in some particular cases, represent 12% of the country's GDP. Although Millennium Development Objectives do not include a specific objective on wastewater treatment, as they do for water and sanitation services, there is no doubt the strategy all countries for this sector includes the fulfillment of these objectives, mainly in regard to environmental issues, i.e., to revert the loss and degradation of natural resources; to improve access to safe water sources and to improve living conditions of those living in marginal urban areas. Moreover, in connection with the links between poverty and environment, it is recognized that environmental degradation imposes a heavier load on lower income population and long-term economic growth is only possible through the achievement of environmental sustainability. At present, only 14% of the wasterwater collected in the Region as a whole receives treatment prior to its discharge. In Central America, only 4% of effluentes are treated. The efforts required to achieve Millennium Development Objectives favor the promotion of private capital participation based on the experience gained by some of the Region countries in accompanying this process. The Americas, as a regional group -and beyond the different situations of member countries- has safe water and sanitation systems to service their population, considering the high urbanization level in the Region. Notwithstanding, achieving the Millennium Development Objectives will force to focus coverage expansion efforts on rural and peri-urban and/or marginal urban areas where the Region´s poorer and vulnerable population groups live. Access to safe water and adequate sanitation will favor and accelerate the achievement of all Millennium Development Objectives. The link between water and human health is out of discussion; water will bring health and dignity to many millions of the poorer people in the Region and will transform their lives. The resulting benefits will exceed by far the amount of the investments made. STRENGTHS, WEAKNESSES AND NEEDS The following Chart summarizes the prevailing situation at Region countries, identifying their weaknesses and strengths on institutional issues, resource policies, capacities, experiences and achievements in regard to the Mandates and Commitments undertaken at different World Summits. It tries to identify the main lines of efforts required to achieve the desired results. 28 | June 16 - 17, 2005 - Mar del Plata - Argentina
PREVIOUS DOCUMENTS Base Document for the Meeting of <strong>HEMA</strong> INTERNATIONAL AND REGIONAL MANDATES AND COMMITMENTS Goals and Targets to Achieve Weaknesses • Weak relations between decision-makers • Inadequate process to set policy priorities and resource allocations • Weak Sector policies • Weak institutions and limited resources • Prevailing isolation in Sector performance • Innefficient use of investment resources • Insufficient community participation in identifying requirements and solutions • Lack of information to overcome inadequate cultural behavior • High pollution levels • Lack of specific, aplicable and sustainable action plans Strengths • Skilled human resources trained in use of adequate technologies; research centers • Implementation of Regional and Sub-Regional Basic Sanitation and Environmental Programs (water & sanitation, pesticides and healthy schools and environments) • Experience in community development • Country expertise in managing IDB and other multinational financial loans • Technical assistance of internacional agencies • Water and Sanitation achievements over the past 20 years • Reduction in mortality rate of children under 5 years. Efforts needed • A clear, accepted and integrated definition of Health, Environment and Development problems • Prioritize Environmental Health at social and political levels • Strengthen sectorial policies and institutions • Build up strategic alliances with Education, Labor, Public Works, Economy, Planning, Tourism, Foreign Trade and others •Implement local and community participation and development policies • Obtain and allocate funds for needed investments, prioritizing poverty and children environmental health • Develop and apply technologies to prevent and/or mitigate pollution hazards, and evaluate their effects • Make technical, sanitary and financial evaluations of water, sanitation and waste services • Generalize the enforcement of national Health and Environment laws. • Develop hemispheric data bases with chinldren’s Environmental Health indicators This set of elements call for significant efforts from Region governments. We must make sure they are not Utopian and therefore must act to change the present pace in institutional performance; behavior; policy implementation; resource allocation; and in this manner achieve the expected results. Expected Results Expected Results FROM DECISION TO ACTION The strategic alliance of Health and Environment Ministers was achieved when the need for intersectorial work was recognized, to counteract the severe health problems arising from environmental deterioration, which has a heavier impact on the Region’s most vulnerable and poorer population sectors. Meeting of Ministers of Health and Environment of the Americas | 29
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