Delivered by H.E. Colonel Than Zin, Deputy Minister of Health of the Union of Myanmar

　

　　Excellencies, Honorable Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, on behalf of the Government of the Union of Myanmar, I warmly welcome you all to Myanmar, the Golden Land. I would like to express my appreciation to the Nippon Foundation for holding this Second International Meeting on Essential Drugs and Community Health Systems in Yangon, Just prior to the Visit Myanmar Year 1996 festivities.

　　It is an honor and a pleasure to welcome you to this important International Meeting on Essential Drugs and Community Health Systems.

　　The meeting promises to be of great significance for the future development of the rational use of drugs and revolving drug funds (RDF) system in our respective countries, and will enable us to exchange our experiences regarding revolving drug funds in each country. It will also promote mutual understanding between our countries leading to closer cooperation in the field of health.

　　Our countries are benefiting from the wide availability of essential drugs which are one of the requisites for health care. In the past, we experienced shortages of essential medicines due to social and economic constraints. This was an issue first addressed by the Bamako Initiative initiated by UNICEF. The Nippon Foundation, which takes a special interest in health issues, supports UNICEF's work. Representing one of the beneficiaries, I would like to thank the Nippon Foundation for its interest in health care and for its generosity in supporting countries of the Asian Region. I am sure, as beneficiaries, we are using the support of the Nippon Foundation to maximum benefit for our health systems.

　　The programs in different countries have had both successes and shortfalls. We can learn from both kinds of experiences and, with the help of the Nippon Foundation, WHO, UNICEF, and other international and national organizations, promote the idea of revolving drug funds and the concept of essential drugs in order to enhance the quality of health care in our respective countries.

　　I firmly believe that a systematic and coordinated approach involving health and health-related sectors, as well as the community as a whole, is essential for community development.

　　With the changing trends in the social and economic sectors, there are many new opportunities and challenges for future health development. In this respect, revolving drug funds are critical for enhancing self-reliance in health care and linkage at the community level in activities for health.

　　It is my sincere hope that all of us here who are attending this meeting will benefit from the deliberations and work towards the common goal of Health For All by the Year 2000.

　　We would like to express our great pleasure, on behalf of the Government of Myanmar, for being given the chance to host this meeting in Myanmar during Visit Myanmar Year 1996. I would like to express my appreciation to the Nippon Foundation, which has made it possible for this meeting to be held in our country.

　　Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, in conclusion, may I wish you all a happy stay in our country and all success in your deliberations.

　　Thank you.