The Population Explosion - The Concern of All Nations

There are over three and a half billion people unevenly distributed over the world's habitable areas. The quality of their lives is to a major extent influenced by patterns of population growth and density. Some countries are already facing serious problems of over-population, manifesting themselves in the form of food shortages, inadequate housing, poor health and education services, and high unemployment rates. Others fear that patterns of modern living may lead to ecological deterioration and depletion of natural resources. The threat such situations may post to the balance between the earth's peoples and the earth's ability to support them is becoming a priority matter for universal concern and action.
Children listening to a talk at a mobile health unit at Lorma, San Fernando la Union. The World Health Organization (WHO) has participated in the development of several health projects in the Philippines through its regional office in Manila. [c. January 1972]