The theme for World Health Day 2024 has been announced as “My health, my right”. The essence of this theme is to highlight the significance of universal access to healthcare services, education, and information. Furthermore, the theme emphasizes the importance of having access to safe drinking water, clean air, good nutrition, quality housing, decent working, and environmental conditions, as well as freedom from discrimination.
Unfortunately, millions of people worldwide face threats to their right to health. Conflicts are causing psychological distress, pain, hunger, and death, while the burning of fossil fuels is exacerbating the climate crisis and taking away our right to breathe clean air. Indoor and outdoor air pollution is claiming at least one life every five seconds.
Notably, while at least 140 countries recognize health as a human right in their constitutions, only four countries have mentioned how they intend to finance it. To address these challenges, World Health Day 2024 aims to advocate for the right of every human being to have access to essential health services, education, and information. Additionally, the theme is a call for safe drinking water, clean air, good nutrition, quality housing, decent working, and environmental conditions, as well as freedom from discrimination, to be available to everyone, everywhere.
Picture: Sabongida-Akwanwe PHC; Taraba State renovated by Rhema Care with support from UNHCR
Credit: Chima Jeff Megwei
