OUR PLANET, OUR HEALTH. WORLD HEALTH DAY

WORLD HEALTH DAY 2022: April 7 is observed as World Health Day. In celebration of World Health Day, the World Health Organization aims to discuss health issues and draw attention to specific health issues facing people all around the world. In 1948, during the first World Health Assembly, the 7th of April was designated as the day to celebrate the founding of the World Health Organization. This became the first World Health Day in 1950. In this way, the day marks the anniversary of WHO’s founding in 1948.

Every year, on April 7, the World Health Organization highlights wellness and medical issues. With mental health, insurance, and everything in between, this day sets the tone for what’s to come on the world stage. As we celebrate World Health Day this year, the focus will be on nurses and midwives, the on-the-go, restless workforce that has revolutionized healthcare as we know it.

HEALTH SYSTEM IN UGANDA

There are two levels of the Ugandan health system: state and district. In Uganda, there are national referral hospitals, regional referral hospitals, and semi-autonomous institutions, such as Uganda Blood Transfusion Services, Uganda National Medical Stores, Uganda Public Health Laboratories, and the Uganda National Health Research Organization (UNHRO). Uganda has a decentralized health system at the national and district levels. The lowest rung of the district-based health system consists of Village Health Teams (VHTs).

WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION estimated numbers on World Health Day

The World Health Organization estimates that around the world, 13 million people die from avoidable environmental causes each year. One of the biggest health threats humanity faces is the climate crisis. The climate crisis is a health crisis as well. Air pollution kills 13 people every minute which is 2.4 million deaths in our region every year such as lung cancer. 9.2 million people die of non-communicable diseases in the region every year. For example cardiovascular diseases, Diabetes, Chronic Respiratory Diseases, and Cancer. 1.6 million people die because of Tobacco use in the region every year. Additional Tobacco farming and Tobacco packaging add to Environment and health hazards

2 billion people lack safe drinking water globally. 3.6 billion People lack safe toilets which results in 8, 29,000 people dying from Diarrhea every year caused by polluted water and poor sanitation. WHO says that avoiding the worst climate impacts could help 250,000 additional climate-related deaths annually? That is to say Malnutrition, malaria, Diarrhoea, and heat stress. Speak of the pressure and the state of the health systems.

The COVID-19 pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the inequitable, unsustainable systems in which we leave in. With the pandemic revealing weaknesses in all aspects of society, we must create well-being societies that are committed to achieving equitable health now and for future generations without being destructive to the environment. There are too many people still living in poverty and instability as a result of the current economic system. Human well-being, equity, and ecological sustainability are the primary goals of a well-being economy. So it has helped us with an opportunity to build back a better, greener planet we must act now for our planet, our health

WORLD HEALTH DAY THEME 2022

The theme for this year’s World Health Day is “Our Planet, Our Health”. Cancer, asthma, and heart disease are increasing rapidly as a result of environmental pollution and pandemics, and World Health Organization is focusing global attention on the urgent measures needed to “keep humans and the planet healthy.”

SIGNIFICANCE OF WORLD HEALTH DAY

The purpose of this day is to raise awareness of the ongoing health issues that concern people worldwide. Additionally, the day is used to raise awareness about people’s health and well-being.

 12 tips to be healthy

First, eat a healthy diet

Secondly, be physically active, every day, your way

Thirdly, get vaccinated

Fourth, don’t use any form of tobacco

Fifth, avoid or minimize the use of alcohol.

Sixth, Manage stress for your physical and mental health.

Seventh, practice good hygiene

Next, don’t speed or drink and drive.

Wear a seat belt when driving and a helmet when cycling.

Then always practice safe sex.

Always carry regular check-ups of your health.

Finally, put in your mind that breastfeeding is best for babies.

What should be done?

• We need clean air, water, and food, sound agricultural practices, and safe use of chemicals. Healthy and safe workplaces, health-supportive cities, built environments, and preserve natural spaces. Preserve natural spaces and keep communities healthy and productive as they are essential for equitable and sustainable development.
• We need to protect and preserve nature and promote afforestation
• Improve air quality and stop polluting agricultural practices.
• There is a need to promote sustainable farming.
• We should protect drinking water supplies and also build climate-resilient and environmentally sustainable healthcare facilities.
• Ensure water and sanitation are integral to primary health care services which are accessible to all
• Promote climate-resilient water sanitation and hygiene.
• Promote environmentally sustainable practices.
• Ensure quick and healthy energy transition.
• Rigorously enforce air quality standards.
• Increase investment in public transport infrastructure.
• Promote healthy and sustainable food systems.
• Build healthy, liveable cities with green and healthy spaces that promote physical activity.
• Promote cleaner fuel for cooking.

Call for action

On World Health Day, Love Uganda Foundation joins World Health Organization in calling one and all to act together to protect Our health, our Planet for #HealthierTomorrow