World Health Day 2024: Empowering lives with my health, my right

If you search the Internet for quotes or proverbs on health there will be unlimited saying. The reason is simple. These adages inspire individuals to adopt healthier lifestyles, make positive changes, and maintain their motivation on their journey toward better health. They also serve as reminders of the importance of health and the benefits of living a healthy lifestyle and are used as educational tools by health professionals to convey messages more engagingly and memorably. They can be used in public health campaigns, educational materials, and wellness programmes to highlight key health messages.

One such day to spread awareness is World Health Day which is observed every year on April 7. This is because globally, the fundamental right to health for countless individuals is in increasing jeopardy for several reasons. First, epidemics and natural calamities stand as significant contributors to mortality and incapacitation. Second, armed conflicts wreak havoc, leading to fatalities, suffering, famine, and emotional turmoil. Last, the combustion of fossil fuels is intensifying the climate crisis while eroding the right to inhale unpolluted air, as air pollution, both indoors and outdoors, is responsible for death every five seconds.

The World Health Organization (WHO) Council on the Economics of Health for All reveals that over 140 nations have acknowledged health as a fundamental right within their constitutions. In response to the challenges, ‘My Health, My Right’ has been selected as the theme for World Health Day 2024.

This theme aims to advocate for the universal right to access quality healthcare services, education, and information. It emphasises the importance of clean drinking water, pure air, nutritious food, adequate housing, fair working, and environmental conditions, and the right to be free from discrimination for everyone, everywhere.

According to Dr Vaneeta Bhardwar, mother of two students at Apeejay School, Model Town, the day reminds us to put our health and well-being first. “This year’s theme focuses on everyone’s fundamental right to access quality healthcare. The WHO reported that over half of the global population lacks access to basic healthcare services, hence this theme was designed to create awareness about the right to good health and provide: Universal health coverage, quality healthcare, create a balanced healthcare system, and spread awareness about the right to health,” the doctor explained.

Buddha had said: To keep the body in good health is a duty, otherwise we shall not be able to keep the mind strong and clear. “This adage is apt as health is important to live to the fullest. Good physical health improves mental health and makes you more productive and a happier individual. Keeping healthy should start from childhood as children are our future. By making them realise the importance of being healthy we are creating a healthy and safe future for them and ourselves too,” Dr Bhardwar said and added that parents should understand that mental health is equally important as physical health.

“Your child’s physical and mental well-being is the foundation of the overall development. Making kids eat healthy, maintain hygiene, follow discipline, and encourage them for outdoor activities is crucial. The screen time should be minimal. Remember, parents are a bridge to a healthy life for the children.