It is celebrated today, April 7th World Health Day that the World Health Organization dedicates this year to Right to healthwith the slogan “My health, my right” (“My health, my right”).
Climate change and wars
The right of everyone everywhere to have access to safe, quality care is increasingly threatened for millions of people, exposed to disease and at risk of death due to a growing number of environmental and war disasters. «Conflicts devastate human lives, causing death, pain, hunger and psychological distress» writes the WHO, «the use of fossil fuels is fueling the climate crisis and, at the same time, it is taking away our right to breathe clean airwith indoor and outdoor air pollution claiming a life every 5 seconds.”
The key messages of the day
WHO intends to reiterate the right of every human being to safe and quality care, without any discrimination, to privacy and confidentiality of health information, to information on treatment and informed consent, and last but not least to autonomy of choice and physical integrity, and yet, 44% of women in the world cannot choose freely about their body, their health and their sexual life.
The WHO recommends that everyone “know these fundamental rights”, “make decisions about your health» and «protect your right to health as fundamental human right». Everyone should have access to the health services they need when and where they need them, without facing financial hardship. Last but not least, WHO encourages each individual to fight for all this to be achievedreaching out to political leaders, joining the calls of health communities, actively participating in discussions and actions, involving your community.
The appeal to governments
The WHO appeal is also aimed at governments, called to legislate well on prevention and health. The agency cites taxation on tobacco, sugar and alcohol, but also the use of antibiotics and pesticides and the use of fossil fuels; remember that investments in health guarantee a positive return on the state budget.
Health is a pillar of other rights
Finally, the WHO reminds us, the right to health must also be promoted because «an intrinsic pillar of our broader human rights». Respecting it means enforcing our rights to access safe drinking water, clean air, good nutrition, quality housing, decent working conditions and freedom from violence and discrimination.
Foto: poster del World Heatlh Day 2024 My health, my right