UN leader Ban Ki-moon Monday accused some big corporations of putting public health at risk “to protect their own profits” as he launched a summit on everyday diseases killing tens of millions each year.
The summit on non-communicable diseases such as cancer, heart disease and diabetes is only the second time that the annual UN General Assembly of world leaders has taken up a health issue. But about 36 million people die each year from the diseases and the UN is predicting an explosion in the numbers, particularly in poor countries in Africa. A World Economic Forum report launched Monday said the world will spend $47 trillion over the next two decades treating the diseases. Ban told the summit that governments had to launch prevention campaigns, but he also targeted companies who have been strongly attacked by health groups.
“I depend on our friends in industry to do what is right,” the UN secretary general said. Ban called himself “a champion of the private sector” but said “some hard truths” must be recognized. “There is a well-documented and shameful history of certain players in industry who ignored the science — sometimes even their own research — and put public health at risk to protect their own profits.
“There are many, many more industry giants which acted responsibly. That is all the more reason we must hold everyone accountable — so that the disgraceful actions of a few do not sully the reputation of the many which are doing such important work to foster our progress.”
Ban called upon corporations that profit from selling processed foods to children “to act with the utmost integrity.” “I refer not only to food manufacturers, but also the media, marketing and advertising companies that play central roles in these enterprises,” he told the summit.
“Those who profit from alcohol sales have to do their part to promote moderation in alcohol consumption. And we can all work to end tobacco use.”
United Nations, Sept 19, 2011 (AFP)
