BY OLIVIA SPIRITO; EDITED BY BERNICE BORN
WiRED International observes the 70th anniversary of World Health Day on April 7, the day on which the World Health Organization urges everyone to learn about and support accessible universal health care.
According to World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, “Health is a human right. No one should get sick or die just because they are poor, or because they cannot access the health services they need.”
WHO defines universal health care as the full spectrum of essential, quality health services, from health promotion to prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and palliative care. WHO states that at least half of the world’s population continues to have limited access to and coverage of vital health services. World Health Day promotes the idea that nations should provide quality health care without its being a financial burden to their people.
This week is also National Public Health Week in the United States. This year’s health observance advocates for healthy and fair policies and strategies for successful partnerships in the public health system. The goal is to encourage equal healthcare opportunities for everyone regardless of their economic status. National Public Health Week promotes affordable and accessible health care and emphasizes issues such as medical education, emergency preparedness, drug-related problems and safe food and nutrition.
WIRED International’s mission is to provide low-resource communities with cost-free health education training modules so that underserved people can improve their health. Take the time to start a conversation with friends and family about health to support World Health Day and National Public Health Week.