Dr. Suat Günsel University of Kyrenia Hospital Practitioner Dr. Aziz Okay Tabuk has made an announcement for the occasion of 7th of April World Health Day and 7-13 April World Health Week. Tabuk noted these in his announcement:
“World Health Organisation (WHO) first used the expression ‘health service is a human right regardless of a person’s race, religion, political opinion, economic and social status’ in 1946 in an international document. WHO constitution holds governments responsible for their citizens’ health and this responsibility required regulations in health and social sectors. This constitution came into effect on the 7th of April 1948. World Health Organisation was built on the principle that everybody has the right to access the highest level of healthcare possible.
Human health became centred and the concept of right became the responsibility of administrations with the International Bill of Human Rights of General Assembly of United Nations.
The birth date of WHO, 7th of April is celebrated as World Health Day. Every year, a serious health problem which is a concern for all people is selected and the international actions within the confines of the themes chosen by World Health Organisation is emphasised as well as activities are organised all over the world. 07-13 April is also celebrated as World Health Week in our world and various activities are organised about the subject.
These are the “World Health Day” subjects of the last ten years:
- 2017: Depression
- 2016: “Beating” Diabetes
- 2015: Food Safety
- 2014: Vector Based Diseases
- 2013: Hypertension
- 2012: Healthy Life
- 2011: Antimicrobial Resistance
- 2010: Urbanisation and Health
- 2009: Hospital and Natural Disasters/Extraordinary situations
- 2008: Climate Change
And in 2018 “Universal Health Coverage”: World Health Day was celebrated with the theme of “For everyone, everywhere” and the motto of the day was; “Health for Everyone”.
“Health for Everyone” has been the vision of World Health Organisation for the past twenty years. Experiences until today has shown that Universal Health Coverage can be formed in periods where the political will is strong.
WHY IS UNIVERSAL HEALTH COVERAGE IMPORTANT?
Countries who invest in Universal Health Coverage make a solid investment for their citizens in terms of health. Not only does access to Universal Health Coverage increase the expectations of people in terms of healthcare and life, but it also protects the country from viral diseases, decreases the risk of poverty and starvation, increases employment, promotes economic growth and establishes social gender equality.
Some countries have already had major breakthroughs in terms of Universal Health Coverage. Half of world population does not have access to necessary health care services.
World leaders have agreed on Sustainable Development goals in 2015 and pledged to take solid steps towards developing health of all people. In order to reach Sustainable Development Goals, one billion more people must be included in the Universal Health Coverage by 2023.
As said by the General Director of WHO “Nobody must be forced to choose between death and poverty. Nobody should be forced to choose between buying medicine and buying food.”