Health for all
The 1978 Declaration of Alma-Ata described health as “a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” Health is a “fundamental human right.” Attainment of the highest possible level of health is a very important world-wide social goal. By 2000, everyone should enjoy “a level of health that will permit them to lead a socially and economically productive life.” Achieving this aim would necessitate financial and community expansion. But primary healthcare, “based on practical, scientifically sound and socially acceptable methods and technology” made universally accessible to individuals and families, was supposed to be key to attaining the target. By 2000, there were significant health improvements, with increases in life expectancy in 163 of 184 countries for which data are available (between 1975 and 1995). Expenditure on health has also risen, with global spending on health accounting for approximately 8 percent of the world's gross domestic product (GDP). However, there are massive disparities in the health status of rich and poor countries and the goal of “health for all” has clearly not been met.
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