Wednesday 7th April is World Health Day!
Across the world, some groups struggle to make ends meet with little daily income, have poorer housing conditions and education, fewer employment opportunities, experience greater gender inequality, and have little or no access to safe environments, clean water and air, food security and health services. This leads to unnecessary suffering, avoidable illness, and premature death. Additionally, it harms our societies and economies (WHO, 2021).
This is not only unfair: it is preventable. Universal health coverage (UHC) is about ensuring all people and communities have access to quality health services where and when they need them, without suffering financial hardship. It includes the full spectrum of services needed throughout life—from health promotion to prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and palliative care—and is best based on a strong primary health care system (WHO, 2019).
Achieving UHC is one of the key targets of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
‘Half of the world’s population does not have access to essential health services. Half are at risk of malaria. There are close to two million infant deaths a year that could be prevented by expanding access to existing vaccines.’ – Compassion (2019).
If you would like to donate, click here – https://www.compassion.com/world-days/world-health-day.htm