Yaaayyy, it’s our annual “feast day” – The World Health Day.
Every year, on 7th April, the world observes World Health Day under the cue of the UN/WHO. This observation has held for at least seventy (70) years with a focus on different themes.
This day is usually set aside to shed more light on different health matters via online and offline campaigns, seminars, conferences, educative activities, and so on.
Following the pandemic’s exposition on the magnitude of health inequalities in our world, this year’s theme is set as BUILDING A FAIRER, HEALTHIER WORLD FOR EVERYONE
Meaning of the theme
2020 was like a year of expositions and innovations. It introduced a new phase of life for the world and at the same time, exposed many weaknesses, gaps, strengths, failures and, improvements in many sectors of life.
Unfortunately, in the health industry, the pandemic simply exposed the existing inequalities that created a barrier in accessing quality healthcare services.
This year, the WHO through the observation of this day is calling on all stakeholders at all levels of leadership to work towards bridging this inequality gap in healthcare services
We are looking towards building a system where healthcare is fairly accessible to everyone. A system built by us and for us.
Some factors that contribute to healthcare inequalities
- Education
- Income
- Housing
- Nutrition
- Technology
- Health status
- Gender
- Cultural differences
Together, we can all contribute to the building of a fairer, healthier world for everyone.
Through different ways, we can improve access to health services and eliminate the gap created by health inequalities. This is necessary because health is a fundamental right but only a few can truly access these services with ease. We can do these by advocacy, positive leadership, intentional bridging of accessibility gaps created by gender, education, income level and etc. It would be great if we also advocate for the adoption of policies that enhance equality such as female inclusivity, etc.
Health is a fundamental human right but only a few can truly access it; this year we’re focusing on briding this gap and building a fairer, healthier world for everyone.
Regards,
Dr. STM
