(The following report was filed with the Chief of the
United Nations NGO Section, Department of Public Information and summarizes the World
Chiropractic Alliance's activities during the year 2000.)
On the occasion of the second anniversary of our affiliation with the Department of
Public Information, the World Chiropractic Alliance is pleased to offer the following
report of our activities to promote knowledge of the United Nations' principles and
activities.
PUBLICATIONS
The Chiropractic Journal is a monthly publication with a readership of
approximately 70,000. It is sent to every known practicing chiropractor in the world. Four
prominent articles related to UN activities have appeared in this publication in the year
2000:
February 2000. A full-page report summarizing our activities as an NGO was
published. Also included was the "WCA Declaration on International Affairs,"
based upon Article 19 and Article 20 of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human
Rights.
September 2000. A front-page article, with color photograph, appeared in this
issue, detailing our meeting with World Health Organization officials in Geneva. The
article is continued on page 21, with an additional photograph.
October 2000. A full-page article with color photograph reported on WCA's plans
for collaborative projects with the World Health Organization. Also included were slides
from a PowerPoint presentation, produced by WCA for WHO, summarizing the legal status of
chiropractic worldwide.
November 2000. A front-page color photo, with an accompanying article continued
inside, describes the mission of the NGO Health Committee. The article also reports the
selection of our Main Representative to serve as treasurer of the committee.
Tear sheets of these articles are included for your reference.
Clinical Practice Guideline: Vertebral Subluxation in Chiropractic Practice. WCA
was actively involved in the promotion and dissemination of the Clinical Practice
Guideline developed by the Council on Chiropractic Practice. WCA mailed copies to health
officials in all UN member states. Distribution of this Guideline was expanded to include
all known practicing chiropractors in Canada, as well as other selected countries. A
guiding principle in the Guideline development was the World Health Organization
definition: "Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being,
and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity." The Guideline was selected for
inclusion in the National Guideline Clearinghouse after evaluation by ECRI, a
collaborating agency of WHO.
WORKSHOPS AND SEMINARS
Discussion of United Nations issues and chiropractic involvement have been featured at
WCA seminars, as well as those presented by WCA members.
OTHER ACTIVITIES
Briefings. WCA had a representative in attendance for the majority of Thursday
DPI/NGO briefings.
53rd Annual DPI/NGO Conference and Reception. A WCA representative attended the
annual conference and the reception at Cipriani's featuring UN Secretary General Kofi
Annan.
NGO Health Committee. The WCA Main Representative was selected treasurer of the
NGO Health Committee. WCA will be sponsoring a panel at the Spring meeting.
FULFILLMENT OF OUR RESPONSIBILITIES
The World Chiropractic Alliance is committed to fulfilling our responsibilities with
the Department of Public Information. We have featured the UN prominently in our
publications. Furthermore, we intend to continue active participation in committees and
workshops. It is a privilege to be associated with DPI, and a responsibility we take very
seriously.
It has been a privilege and an honor to serve as Main Representative of the World
Chiropractic Alliance to the Department of Public Information.
Sincerely,
Christopher Kent, D.C. (Doctor of Chiropractic) World Chiropractic Alliance Main NGO
Representative to DPI