REPS champions healthcare on World Health Day
. . . prioritizes the well-being of officers, public
AS the global community commemorated World Health Day on Sunday, the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) stood out as advocates of healthcare, championing the theme of ‘My Health, My Right’ to ensure equitable access to healthcare and promote wellbeing for all.
Through its Health Department, the Police Service has expressed that they have embarked on a mission to decentralize health services and disseminate vital information to emaSwati. This was containeds in a media communique hared on the Police’s Facebook page.
With a firm commitment to providing preventative, promotive, curative, and rehabilitative services, the Police Health and Wellness Services have emerged as a cornerstone of support for officers and civilians alike. Acting National Commissioner of Police, Lydia Sijabulisiwe Dlamini, emphasized the pivotal role of officers in service delivery systems, stressing the importance of prioritizing their physical and mental well-being to safeguard the nation against crime and security threats effectively.
“As a Police Service, we always strive to ensure that the health and wellness of our officers are made a priority so that they can be in the right frame, physically and mentally, to serve and protect the Nation from crime and other safety and security concerns,” remarked Dlamini.
Looking towards the future, the Police Service highlighted that it harbors ambitions of establishing a fully functional medical hospital capable of providing comprehensive health services, including specialist physiotherapy services, care, admissions, and trauma counseling services.
REPS in the shared communique further viewed that the significance of mental health advocacy must take centre stage. Mental health is not merely the absence of disease but encompasses the state of mental, social, and physical well-being. Recognizing this, the Police Service underscores the importance of addressing mental health concerns, urging individuals to seek professional help and counseling for issues causing depression or distress.
“Mental health equips the individual with effective stress management and coping mechanisms, reducing the likelihood of harmful behaviors such as Gender-Based Violence, Murders, and Suicides,” reads part of the shared communique. “By prioritizing mental health, individuals are empowered to explore constructive solutions to challenges, fostering a safer and more resilient society.”
World Health Day is a global health awareness day celebrated every year on 7 April, under the sponsorship of the World Health Organization (WHO), as well as other related organizations. In 1948, the WHO held the First World Health Assembly. The Assembly decided to celebrate 7 April of each year, with effect from 1950, as the World Health Day. The World Health Day is held to mark WHO’s founding and is seen as an opportunity by the organization to draw worldwide attention to a subject of major importance to global health each year.