by Grace Anaja
World Health Day is celebrated every year on April 7 to raise awareness about the importance of global health. The day promotes healthy living and highlights the need for individuals, communities, and governments to take action to ensure that everyone has access to quality health care services. World Health Day also provides an opportunity to recognize the contributions of health care workers.
The theme for this year, ‘Health For All’, emphasizes the idea that health is a fundamental human right, and that all people should be able to have access to health care.
Some members of our team share what ‘Health For All’ means to them.
Health for all is not just a dream but a necessity for a better world. The concept implies that everyone should have quality medical care accessible to them. As a professional in human anatomy, I realize the significance and advantage of maintaining a fit body and mind, and I am convinced that it is vital to educate individuals about the significance of giving importance to their well-being. Every person has the right to lead a healthy life without any financial constraints.
- Amachree Eunice Pakirima
Health to me is general well-being. Emphasis on ‘general’, because health could be in more than just one form, medical health being the most prioritized. For me, “Health For All” encompasses the different forms of health, available and practiced by all. This includes medical health, mental health, and in relationships (e.g marriage). The world would be a much better place if people practice overall healthy lifestyles and the immediate and subsequent benefits of this, cannot be overemphasized. To commemorate a day as significant as World Health Day, people should be encouraged and charged to always prioritize healthy living, regardless of environment, challenges and biases, as “Health For All” is “Wealth For All”.
- Akatu Ikpe
Ever heard of the phrase “Most Nigerians are one sickness away from poverty?. This might sound very pessimistic but in reality, it is true. It is common to see people suffer from illnesses that can be prevented because of a lack of access to basic healthcare services.
For me, “Health For All” means that every person should have access to quality healthcare irrespective of his/her economic status. It means that every person can live a healthy and productive life no matter their income or location. Quality healthcare services should be available in every community no matter how remote.
- Queen Ugwoeru
Primary health care is not available, easily accessible or affordable in most developing countries. Therefore, “Health For All” means that everyone will have fair access to the treatments they need and that healthcare services will be made accessible to those who cannot afford them. This includes maternal and child care, vaccination, sexual and reproductive health care, family planning services, recovery and mental health services, etc. Health For All also means providing access to health insurance even for the most vulnerable in society. It involves encouraging, supporting and giving better incentives to healthcare workers to retain them and reduce the ‘japa’ syndrome. Through global cooperation and investments, these global challenges can be tackled.
- Grace Anaja
The theme this year does not imply that illness and infirmity will come to an end or that all people will receive medical care. It implies that health resources are fairly allocated and that everyone has access to basic medical treatment.
From SEGEI, we encourage you to take charge of your health and well-being by adopting healthy habits and seeking medical attention when necessary.
