What awaits this child in the next century? Will the world he inhabits grow healthier or sicker? Will new and re-emerging diseases be defeated by, or themselves overwhelm, modern medicine? If even today a child dies every eight seconds from preventable water-related diseases such as diarrhea, dengue fever and malaria, will this shocking "statistic" decline or only jump in the 21st century? The unfinished agendas of communicable diseases and safe water are still with us, and unless action to avert the coming crises is stepped up, this boy's life threatens to be perilous.

The World Health Organization forsees a world where all individuals should enjoy their full health potential, writes Yvonne Acosta (6), but the diseases that continue to confront us are staggering (8). In The Chronicle Interview, Gro Harlem Brundtland says WHO's vision is "to be able to make a difference" (12). Global action can complement national action in controlling tobacco trade (16), as cigarette smoke and air pollutants pose a growing threat to asthma sufferers (17). TB causes more deaths than any other communicable diseases, but there is hope in a simple treatment strategy (18), unlike with emerging multi-drug resistant strains of malaria (19). Are we still in denial about HIV/AIDS? asks Benjamin Weil in an article on Governments' response (20). Yvonne Hylla reports on the first large-scale human testing of a possible vaccine (23). An unheralded crisis in mental and social health confronts the next century in the face of refugees, child soldiers and genocide witnesses, according to Ellen Frey-Wouters (24). Human genetics has enormous potential but also profound ethical questions (26), including the scope of ownership of the genetic codes of the natural

living world, according to the International Indian Treaty Council (28). Elaine Eliah reports on a Ugandan programme to end female genital mutilation (31). G.O.P. Obasi of the World Meteorologial Organization explores how global changes in temperature can adversely affect health (32). Safe drinking water programmes have helped save lives but, in some cases, have also unintentionally exposed the population to arsenic (34). The UN continues its work in protecting the ocean (35). Arit Mkpandiok says marine pollution does not respect national borders, and its management has to be global (36). Called "the most staggering disaster of this century", the decimation of the Aral Sea provides a few rays of hope for the next, says Beatrice Grabish on the impact of humanity's misplaced arrogance (38). Water scarcity will affect 30 per cent of the world's population in 2025 and needs a holistic approach (44), but David Seckler of the International Water Management Institute sees hope in technology and a wise use of efficiency (45). Movie star killer spawns love from schoolchildren around the world who helped heal and "Free Willy", writes Saundra Middleton (47).

Yvonne2thank... Our health section was researched and coordinated by Yvonne Acosta, with Chronicle intern Yvonne Hylla. We are grateful to the World Health Organization for much of our source material. The water section was researched and coordinated by Beatric Grabish.

DEPARTMENTS:
Peacewatch (78)
Quote-UNquote (92)
UNreported (93)
Chronicle Library Shelf (94)
CoUNterpoint (94)