``They are among the most vulnerable segments of society"

• Young people can be effective change agents in society
• Education, awareness powerful weapons against HIV/AIDS

Referring to the challenges posed by under-nourishment, environmental damage, conflicts, and terrorism to children's health, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Tuesday emphasised the need to "respect" and "uphold" the "right to health" of children, among the most vulnerable segments of society.

Inaugurating the first Global Meet on Health, organised by HRIDAY-SHAN here, Dr. Singh said, "No civilised society can shirk this duty." He pointed out that in the battle against HIV/AIDS, there was no more powerful weapon than education and awareness. "Young people, who are well-informed and highly motivated, can be very effective change agents in society, influencing not only their peers but also adults. Your idealism can break through even the thickest barriers of cynicism and inaction."

Union Health and Family Welfare Minister Anbumani Ramadoss, senior officials from the World Health Organisation, delegates from all parts of the world, and thousands of school children from Delhi and other parts of India participated in the function.

Pointing out that every citizen of the world must enjoy the right to health, Dr. Singh said it was even more important to respect and uphold this right for children.

Threat to environment
The environment was under great threat, with dire consequences for human health if timely action was not taken, Dr. Singh said. "Global warming threatens famines, floods, epidemics and ecological disarray that will severely compromise human health and may even lead to extinction of life on this planet. There are also a growing number of conflicts and terrorist attacks that threaten the peace and well being of people in many parts of the world. Children and young persons are often the innocent victims of senseless and cruel violence."

Development, too, took its toll. Even under peaceful conditions, there were pandemics such as AIDS and avian flu that took a huge toll of families and societies.
In fact, in the battle against HIV/AIDS, there was no more powerful weapon than education and awareness. The practice of safe sex was the most important deterrent against this pandemic, Dr. Singh said.