Antrea Fotiou
HR Advisor
K.Treppides & Co Ltd
Every year on April 7th, World Health Day is observed worldwide, serving as an opportunity to raise awareness about pressing health issues and mobilize efforts to address them. As we celebrate World Health Day, World Health Organization (WHO) has chosen a theme that resonates deeply with the essence of its founding principles: "My Health, My Right. “This theme serves as a powerful reminder that health is not merely a privilege for a fortunate few, but a fundamental human right for all individuals, irrespective of their background, socioeconomic status, or geographical location.
Rooted in the WHO Constitution (1948), this year's theme underscores the imperative for nations to uphold their legal obligation to ensure universal access to quality health services and to address the underlying determinants of health disparities. Upholding this right necessitates not only providing access to healthcare services but also addressing the social, economic, and environmental determinants that influence health outcomes.
Health disparities are observed globally. Some examples of the serious nature of health disparities are:
- Everyday, 16000 children die before the age of 5. It is 14 times more likely for a child to die before the age of 5, if they live in Sub-Saharan Africa
- Women in Chad (Africa) have a lifetime risk of maternal death of one (1) in sixteen (16). Women in Sweden (EU), have a risk of less than one (1) in ten thousand (10 000)
- In low-income countries, the average life expectancy is 62 years, comparatively with high income countries whose life expectancy is 81 years. For example, a child in Sierra (Africa) is expected to live up to the age of 50, while a child in Japan, is expected to live up to the age of 84.
Health disparities are not only observed from country to country. Health disparities are also significant in cities as well. For example, based on the findings of London Health Observatory, when travelling in London, East from Westminster, each tube stop represents nearly one (1) year of life expectancy lost.
Health also comes with a significant financial cost. The European Parliament estimated that the losses linked to health inequalities cost around 1.4% of GDP within EU. For comparison, the EU’s defence spending is 1.6% of GDP.
Health disparities persist globally, disproportionately affecting marginalized and vulnerable populations. Whether it be disparities in access to healthcare, prevalence of certain diseases, or health outcomes, these inequities underscore the urgent need for concerted action.
Central to the theme of "My Health, My Right", is the empowerment of individuals to assert their right to health which is essential for achieving equitable health outcomes. This empowerment involves raising awareness about health rights, promoting health literacy, and fostering community participation in health decision-making processes. By empowering individuals to advocate for their health needs and rights, we can create more inclusive and responsive healthcare systems.
Contact Details:
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www.treppides.com
Nicosia: Treppides Tower, Kafkasou 9, Aglantzia, CY 2112, Nicosia, Cyprus
Limassol: Andrea Kariolou 38, Ayios Athanasios, CY 4102, Limassol, Cyprus
London:7 Milner Street, London SW3 2QA
Malta: Level 1, Somnium, Tower Road, Swatar, Birkirkara BKR 4012