World Health Day theme highlights right to health

‘My health, my right’, the theme for World Health Day 2024 (April 7), is a reminder that health is a fundamental right that must be ensured for every human being.

Health as a human right is recognised in the WHO Constitution, and the right to health has been central to WHO’S identity and mandate since the start, a press release said.

Health is also recognised as a human right in the constitution of at least 140 countries, including 20 countries of the Eastern Mediterranean Region. All WHO Member States have ratified at least one treaty that recognises the right to the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health.

This rarely translates into action on the ground, however. As a result, the right to health of millions of people globally is increasingly under threat.

At least 4.5 billion people – more than half of the world’s population – are not fully covered by essential health services. Such a shocking reality calls for urgent action by all responsible parties.

The right to health closely relates to and relies upon the realisation of other human rights. These include the rights to life, food, housing, work, education, privacy, access to information, freedom from torture, and the freedoms of association, assembly and movement.

The right to health not only includes access to health services but also access to economic stability, quality education, employment, housing, decent life amenities and other aspects that contribute to health.

WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean Dr Hanan Balkhy highlighted the need to realise the right to health as a top priority.

“In our region, beset by public health events, outbreaks and an unprecedented number of graded emergencies, and home to 38% of all people in need of humanitarian aid globally, the call for the right to health is urgent,” she said.

Diseases and disasters are increasingly common causes of death and disability worldwide, and conflicts are devastating communities, causing death, violence, hunger, displacement and psychological distress.

This year’s World Health Day campaign is a reminder that all segments of society, including policy-makers, communities, civil society and individuals, should contribute to protect the right to health and ensure human rights.

This seminar falls within the purview of the OHRC adherence to the competencies and responsibilities stipulated in the Paris Principles