Latest update January 4th, 2025 5:30 AM
Latest News
- ‘Show us the feasibility and EIA studies done by US EXIM Bank for Gas-to-Energy project’- Dr. Adams
- AFC questions Govt’s fear of renegotiating oil contract
- Israeli attacks kill dozens in Gaza as ceasefire talks resume in Qatar
- T&T PM Rowley to bow out of elected politics before general elections
- Govt. hunting for more housing lands, after using up those available in several regions – Min. Croal
WORLD HEALTH DAY IS VITALLY IMPORTANT
Health is perhaps the most important issue in our lives. Everyone cherishes good health. World Health Day (WHD) is celebrated on April 7th every year to raise awareness on the causes and consequences of diseases and the respective cures. World Health Day is observed by governments, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and various health organizations in many countries. The aim is to highlight support for better health care services around the world and for countries to achieve universal health care coverage” by 2030 as part of their Sustainable Development Goals.
World Health Day is the birth anniversary of the World Health Organization (WHO), which was founded in 1948. Each year, the WHO selects a theme that focuses on a priority area of public health concern in the world. World Health Day was celebrated this year under the theme “universal health coverage” to alert people that at least half of the world’s population, especially those in the developing countries do not presently have access to essential health care services. Ordinary people can observe this day by informing themselves on health issues that may affect them or their families.
World Health Day targets all the health issues for which several programs are organized yearly by the WHO and other related health organizations at various places like schools, colleges and other institutions. Since its creation, World Health Day has focused on serious health issues including chickenpox, polio, smallpox, tuberculosis, leprosy, high blood pressure, diabetes etc., which are prevalent in many developing countries. It has played a significant role in making people understand the importance of having good health and how diseases could shorten lives. Its obvious goal is to make the world a healthy place in which to live.
On World Health Day, people take time out from their busy schedules to bring attention to the numerous health conditions that affect people all over the world. They do this through activism, gallery exhibitions and lectures and to make others aware that health care is a fundamental human rights issue.
One of the goals of the World Health Day is to increase life expectancy by promoting healthier eating and living habits. It is commemorated to make the world free from a wide range of diseases caused by parasites and to protect people from vector-borne diseases, especially for families living in areas where these diseases are transmitted by vectors, and travellers to countries where they pose a health threat. The objective is to make it easier for people to have better access to public health care in order to enhance their life without suffering financial hardship.
It is estimated that 100 million people, mostly the poor are in extreme poverty due to the high cost of health care. A further 800 million or 12 percent of the global population spend at least 20 percent of their household budget on healthcare. Today, families are forced to choose between spending on health or on other necessities, such as food and education. However, no one should have to choose between death and financial hardship.
In Guyana, World Health Day is celebrated by walks through several streets and discussions on healthy diets, exercise and food preparation. It also provides an opportunity for citizens to focus attention on the prevention and control of hypertension and other non-communicable diseases. People are reminded that hypertension is a silent killer that can affect anyone.
In addition to the general public, other participants of World Health Day in Guyana include health care providers and policymakers, who help to bring awareness to the importance of World Health Day. It is our duty to ensure that days such as this are duly recognised.
Similar Articles
THE BLUNT OF THE DAY
Sports
Features/Columnists
Democracy thrives on dissent and plurality
Peeping Tom… Kaieteur News- Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, speaking at an event commemorating the death anniversary... more
Breaking the Chains of Poverty: A need for political will
By Sir Ronald Sanders Kaieteur News- The year 2024 has underscored a grim reality: poverty continues to be an unyielding... more
Weekend Cartoon
