Declarations

WONM adopts the universal declaration of human rights
The UNIVERSAL DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS
For the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice, and peace in the world. Proclaims this Universal Declaration of Human Rights as a common standard of achievement for all peoples and all nations, to the end that every individual and every organ of society, keeping this Declaration constantly in mind, shall strive by teaching and education to promote respect for these rights and freedoms and by progressive measures, national and international, to secure their universal and effective recognition and observance, both among the peoples of Member States themselves and among the peoples of territories under their jurisdiction.
The World Health Organization defines "traditional medicine" as:
Health practices, approaches, knowledge, and beliefs incorporating plant, animal, and mineral based medicines, spiritual therapies, manual techniques, and exercises, applied singularly or in combination to treat, diagnose, and prevent illnesses or maintain well-being."
The Constitution of the World Health Organization (WHO) of 1948 declares that “the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health is one of the fundamental rights of every human being”. It defines health as “a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity” and prohibits discrimination in its enjoyment.

The WHO recognizes the World Conference against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance as presenting a unique opportunity for the development and adoption of a new approach to addressing the health impact of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance.
A general comment on the right to the highest attainable standard of health, recently adopted by the Committee that monitors the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, enumerates the grounds for non-discrimination in health by proscribing “any discrimination in access to health care and the underlying determinants of health, as well as to means and entitlements for their procurement, on the grounds of race, color, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth, physical or mental disability, health status (including HIV/AIDS), sexual orientation, civil, political, social or other status, which has the intention or effect of nullifying or impairing the equal enjoyment or exercise of the right to health.”
At the International Conference on Primary Health Care(PHC), held in Alma-Ata, URSS, from 6 to 12 September 1978, Article I of the Declaration of Alma Ata declares that "health, which is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity, is a fundamental human right and that the attainment of the highest level of health is a most important world-wide social goal whose realization requires the action of many other social and economic sectors in addition to the health sector. The conceptual framework of Health for All was started by this conference.

The Declaration stated that, PHC was the key to attaining Health for All. PHC was to be considered "essential health care which is to be made universally accessible to individuals and families in the community in ways accessible to them, through their full participation and at a cost that the community can afford".

PHC was to be equally applicable to all member states, although the way would be different according to individual governments depending on the social and financial resources. When revisited some 25 years later, it was apparent the goal was not reached, and in fact it was referred to as a failure. "Although we have yet to fulfill this commitment, we must not forget or abandon it. More than ever today, the cooperation of governments, international organizations, and health professionals is essential to provide the basic care to narrow the gap between developing and developed nations." (Statement of Senator Edward M. Kennedy, Commemoration of the 25th Anniversary of the Alma-Ata Declaration of 1978)
WONM believes a fresh, new look at PHC should include at least the following seven elements:

  1. Health education related to prevailing health problems and the methods of prevailing and controlling them;
  2. Promotion of food supply and proper nutrition;
  3. Provision of an adequate supply of safe water and basic sanitation;
  4. Maternal and child health care, including family planning;
  5. Prevention and control of locally endemic diseases using nutrition and mineral medicines, e.g. iodine;
  6. First choice of natural, appropriate treatment of common ailments and injuries; and
  7. Provision of essential botanical herbs and drugs.

WONM Members support CLINICS FOR HUMANITY, where these principles are proven.

Hippocratic Oath

WONM adopts the Hippcratic Oath. Click here.