World Health Day is celebrated every year on April 7th by the World Health Organization (WHO) to bring attention to important health issues worldwide. It was established in 1948 after World War II, when the United Nations and WHO were formed. The purpose of World Health Day is to discuss and address global health concerns, such as the eradication of diseases like smallpox and the management of the COVID-19 pandemic.
World Health Day Theme of 2024
Around the world, the right to health of millions is under threat.
- Diseases and disasters loom large as causes of death and disability.
- Various conflicts around the world, such as the Ukraine and Russia conflict, the Israel and Hamas conflict, and conflicts in African countries, have raised concerns about the health of individuals, especially children and the elderly. The health of these vulnerable populations is at risk due to the impact of war and conflict. Displacement, lack of access to healthcare, inadequate nutrition, disease outbreaks, and gender-based violence are some of the challenges faced during times of war.
- The burning of fossil fuels is simultaneously driving the climate crisis and taking away our right to breathe clean air, with indoor and outdoor air pollution claiming a life every 5 seconds.
- The WHO Council on the Economics of Health for All has found that the burning of fossil fuels, war, conflict, and terrorism are driving health crises and taking away people’s right to clean air, nutritious food, clean water, healthcare, safe homes, and peace. These factors directly affect the health of individuals, particularly children, pregnant women, the elderly, and marginalized communities.
In 2024, the theme for World Health Day is “My Health, My Right.” This theme recognizes that every individual has the right to good health, which goes beyond access to medical facilities and medicine. It encompasses complete physical, mental, and social well-being. However, conflicts, wars, disasters, terrorism, and environmental impacts have devastating effects on people’s lives, causing death, pain, hunger, and psychological distress.
Scenario in India
While many countries recognize health as a human right in their constitutions, only a few have mentioned how to finance healthcare as a right. In India, although the Constitution did not directly mention health as a fundamental right, the Supreme Court has interpreted the right to life and liberty under Article 21 to include the right to health. Additionally, the Directive Principles of State Policy in the Indian Constitution obligate the state to ensure the practical realization of the right to health.
My Health, My Right: Empowering Individuals for a Healthier World
Access to quality healthcare is a basic human right. It’s not a privilege reserved for the fortunate few, but a cornerstone of a healthy, thriving society.
Empowering Individuals
The “My Health, My Right” theme goes beyond simply ensuring access to healthcare. It emphasizes empowerment. Individuals need the knowledge, tools, and resources to make informed decisions about their own health. This includes:
Health literacy: Understanding basic health concepts, disease prevention, and treatment options.
Preventive healthcare: Regular check-ups, screenings, and vaccinations.
Mental health awareness: recognising and addressing mental health concerns.
Reproductive health rights: Full control over reproductive choices and access to family planning services.
Empowerment leads to:
Improved health outcomes: When individuals understand their health and can make informed decisions, they’re more likely to seek preventative care and manage chronic conditions effectively.
Reduced healthcare costs: Early intervention and preventative measures can significantly decrease the burden on healthcare systems.
Increased health equity: Empowering marginalised communities with health information and resources bridges the gap in health disparities.
Source: World Health Organization
Challenges to “My Health, My Right”
The path to achieving “My Health, My Right” for all is full of obstacles and challenges:
Social determinants of health: Poverty, lack of education, and unhealthy environments significantly impact health outcomes.
Gender inequality: Women and girls often face barriers to accessing healthcare due to social norms, violence, and limited economic resources.
Cost of healthcare: Rising healthcare costs can prevent individuals from seeking needed services, especially in low- and middle-income countries.
Fragile healthcare systems: War, natural disasters, and economic ins
Taking Action for a Healthier World
To ensure the right to health for everyone, individuals can play a role by
- Raising awareness about the impact of war, conflict, and terrorism on health.
- Healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and physiotherapists, should raise their voices against these issues and advocate for peace.
- Governments should respond to the crisis of war, conflict, and terrorism with emergency healthcare provisions, similar to the response during the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, the theme “My Health, My Right” has also faced criticism for focusing solely on rights without addressing individual responsibilities and duties.
- It is important for individuals to take action, such as exercising, eating right, and practicing meditation, to maintain their own health.
- Every right comes with responsibilities, and individuals must fulfill their duty to raise their voices against war, conflict, and terrorism.
- To ensure the right to health for all, access to healthy food should be increased, and the consumption of processed and unhealthy food should be reduced.
- Physical activity should be encouraged, and the marketing of junk food should be limited.
- Taxes on unhealthy food and drinks should be increased.
- The development of a robust public health system is crucial, and efforts should be made to reduce health inequalities between the rich and the poor.
World Health Day is an important occasion to address global health issues. The theme for 2024, “My Health, My Right,” emphasizes the right to good health for every individual. However, it is also important to recognize the duty to raise voices against war, conflict, and terrorism. Governments, healthcare professionals, and individuals must work together to ensure access to healthcare, promote peace, and create a healthier world for all.
References
- World Health Organization : https://www.who.int/
- UNICEF: https://www.unicef.org/
- United Nations Population Fund: https://www.unfpa.org/node/9115
- Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria: https://www.theglobalfund.org/