Alma-Ata calls for health for all

Her birth followed an in-vitro fertilization procedure undertaken by her parents and medical team.

Lesley Brown gave birth to Louise, whose conception had involved laboratory fertilization.

The successful birth showed that an IVF pregnancy could result in a healthy child.

The story includes Louise and Lesley Brown as well as the clinicians Steptoe and Edwards.

The international conference ran from 6 to 12 September and issued a declaration on primary health care.

The declaration emphasized participation by people in planning and implementing their own health care.

The conference connected health with equity, development and action beyond medical services.

Member states formally endorsed global eradication after extensive vaccination and surveillance campaigns.

The declaration recognized contributions by local health services and communities across many countries.

Variolation predated vaccination by centuries; later vaccine technology and worldwide organizing finally ended natural smallpox transmission.