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From VOA Learning English, |
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this is the Health Report. |
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The World Health Organization says |
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everyone should have a right |
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to the health care services they need |
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without risking financial ruin. |
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A new WHO Report is urging countries |
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to provide health care design |
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to meet the special needs of their citizens. |
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In 2005, all 194 members of the World Health Organization |
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set a goal of providing universal health coverage. |
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But very few countries have reached that target, |
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most people must use their own financial resources |
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to pay for the health care they need. |
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Since health needs differ from one country to another, |
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the new report urges every country |
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to create its own system of health coverage. |
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It says the services should include prevention, |
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treatment, rehabilitation and reduction of pain, |
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and the health care should involve communities |
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, health centers and hospitals. |
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Christopher Dye is head of the WHO's |
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Office of Health Information, HIV/AIDS, |
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Tuberculosis, Malaria and Neglected Tropical Diseases. |
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"Every year approximately 150 million people |
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in the world suffer catastrophic health expenditure. |
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That is they have to pay out of their own pockets |
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for health care to a degree that they cannot possibly afford. |
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So, how do we put in place mechanisms |
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for financial risk protection, |
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which will ensure that catastrophic health expenditures |
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are reduced to a minimum?" |
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The report shows how research can help countries |
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develop a system that makes sure their citizens |
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receive the care they need without suffering financial ruin. |
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The WHO says the studies should be done |
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in low- and high-income countries |
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because the poorer countries have special problems |
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they have to work out for themselves. |
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Dr. Dye said some European countries |
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have continued supporting their social and health services |
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even during this period of financial difficulty. |
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He says that decision is paying off |
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in better health for their people. |
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"Saving money on health care is often a false kind of economy. |
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If you save money on health care in the short term, |
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you may end up spending more in the long term. |
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So, cutting the cost of health budgets |
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is not an enlightened policy." |
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Dr. Dye estimates that the cost of medical care |
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is increasing very quickly. |
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Because of that, he says governments must find ways |
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to pay for health care during good times and bad, |
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and work harder to keep costs under control. |
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And that's the Health Report from VOA Learning English. |
