Malta signs WHO charter on creating stronger health systems

Malta was one of the 53 countries to sign a new charter on health committing to concrete and measurable action on strengthening health systems.

The Tallinn Charter, entitled Health Systems for Health and Wealth, was signed on Friday by health ministers of the World Health Organisation's (WHO) European Region countries.

Parliamentary Secretary for Health Joe Cassar represented Malta during the conference held in Estonia last week.

WHO estimates that, each year, health expenses cause 150 million people to suffer financial catastrophe and push 100 million below the poverty line.

The charter stresses that improved health contributes to social well-being through its impact on economic development, competitiveness and productivity. "High performing health systems contribute to economic development and wealth," it says. Signatory states are to promote shared standards of solidarity, equality and participation; invest in health systems and foster investment across sectors that influence health; promote transparency and be accountable for health system performance to achieve measurable results; make health systems more responsive to people's needs, preferences and expectations; engage stakeholders in policy development and implementation; foster cross-country learning and cooperation; and ensure that health systems are prepared and able to respond to crises.

The document defines a health system as the ensemble of all public and private organisations, institutions and resources mandated to improve, maintain and restore health.

The charter may be viewed on www.euro.who.int