Medicine: New Beginning

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Doctors well remember that hunger and homelessness bred worldwide infections after World War I. They are puzzled that, though present wretchedness is far more widespread, the world continues free of serious epidemics. The fact is fortunate. The old League of Nations' Health Organization, now reduced to a staff of eleven, is still in Geneva putting out its Bulletin. But with so few men, it is no longer able to carry out its most valuable function: trouble-shooting in any nation where a plague strikes.

At the instigation of China and Brazil (and of ex-U.S. Secretary of State Hull), 17 nations have approved the idea of a new international health organization. Last week 30 U.S. citizens—including Surgeon General Thomas Parran, Mrs. La Fell Dickinson, president of the General Federation of Women's Clubs, and Dr. Victor Heiser of the National Association of Manufacturers—met to talk over what the U.S. wants the organization to be. The talks will serve as preparation for an international conference to be held, probably, next spring.

Health men hope the organization can get going in time to supplement UNRRA —or take over where temporary UNRRA leaves off.