Survival of mankind: the population viewpoint.

PIP: This article reviews the population sector of a conference on "The Survival of Humankind: The Philippine Experience," sponsored by the Philippine government and held September 5-10, 1977 at the Philippine International Convention Center. 178 scientists from 24 countries joined their Filipino counterparts to discuss 10 broad themes on human survival. The sector on population control and distribution had 2 subsectors: 1) contraceptive technology and its applications, and 2) population distribution and settlements. The 1st subsector head a paper by Dr. Allan Rosenfield, director of Columbia University's Center for Population and Family Health, on "The State of the Art in Contraceptive Technology and its Application." He suggested the use of paramedical personnel to deliver FP services, more community-based distribution of contraceptives, use of available resources in the Philippines for clinical testing and applied research, with basic studies left to already existing biomedical laboratory facilities. After comments by a panel of experts, the subsector issued a policy statement and recommendations incorporating these suggestions. The 2nd subsector heard a paper by Dr. Niles Hansen, chairman of the Human Settlements and Services Area, International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis, Austria, on "Population Distribution and Settlement in Developing Countries." He argued that the development of intermediate-size growth centers is economically the best strategy of human settlement. A panel of experts reacted to Dr. Hansen's presentation and suggestions and worked out a policy statement and recommendations urging consideration of the effect of other social and economic development programs on population distribution policies; stimulation of research on population movements; programs to help the migrant select and adjust to his new environment; attention to the problems of slums and squatter settlements; and better distribution of urban and regional population. Prerequisites to achieve these objectives are stronger land-use controls, better metropolitan governmental structures and integrated national, regional and local planning.^ieng

Where health is patriotism. Visit of New Zealand medical delegation to China: 20 August-9 September 1974.

PIP: At the invitation of the Chinese government a New Zealand delegation visited the People's Republic of China to observe medical administration and public health. The use of "barefoot doctors" and the integration of western and traditional medicine has led to a revision of the organization of medical care. Acupuncture has been implemented for anesthesia, diagnosis, treatment and drug addiction. Herbal medicine, treatment of fractures and burns and cupping and mixibustion are additional methods of treatment employed with success by the Chinese. The emphasis on preventive medicine has led to education of the people and "barefoot doctors" and to the elimination of various pests such as flies, mosquitoes, rats, bedbugs the semination of a wide range of endemic bacterial and viral diseases such as plague, cholera and leprosy and the elimination of diseases such as malaria, hookworm and venereal diseases. Population control is emphasized in schools (premarital sex is strongly disapproved of) and through the revolutionary philosophy that women can only gain equality when they are freed from endless childbearing. Birth rates have been reduced to 6.5 per 1000 in urban Shanghai. Medical training has been shortened to 3 1/2 years and is taught with the philosophy that it will be used to serve the people.^ieng