World Health Day

World Health Day is observed every year on 7th Apr. This year it also marks the 75th anniversary of founding the World Health Organization (WHO).

WHO is taking this opportunity to look back at public health successes that have improved quality of life in last 7 decades and motivate action to tackle health challenges of today and tomorrow.

Lot has been achieved since countries came together after one of the most destructive wars in human history. To name a few important ones –

? Smallpox eradication.

? Polio incidence reduction by 99%.

? Millions of lives saved through childhood immunization.

? Decline in maternal mortality.

Still, there is a long way to go and realize the objective which WHO has in mind, i.e., ‘highest attainable standard of health for all people’

To achieve the said goal, this year’s World Health Day theme is ‘Health for All’

‘Health for all’ means – health is to be brought within reach of everyone in a given country

Recent Pandemic has made it more evident that protecting health is fundamental to our economies, societies, security, and stability. There are major gaps when it comes to ‘access to health services’, ‘handle health emergencies’ and ‘handle threats from harmful products’.

Going forward, there is a renewed commitment towards to health equity which will be the key to address future health challenges.

WHO stands by countries as they prepare themselves to provide ‘equal healthcare to all’ as well as ‘bring in governance and operational initiatives’ to better handle future crises.

As we understand better tomorrow is possible through better health, let’s hope nations will join hands and work towards this common objective and history will repeat itself.