World health day is an annual campaign by the World Health Organization celebrated during April 7 to raise awareness of various health related issues globally. On its 76th year, the WHO utilized the theme: My Health, My Right, which aims to champion the right of everyone to quality health in conjunction with the needs that promote a healthy individual and nation.1
Health is a right, not a privilege.
Although numerous countries recognize health as a fundamental human right, the majority have yet to enact or enforce policies aimed at providing accessible, affordable, and high-quality healthcare services.1
For instance, in the Philippines, where the average per capita expenditure on healthcare goods and services was PHP 10,059 in 2022, there persists a gap between recognition and implementation.2 Despite the increased allocation for the Department of Health in the 2024 budget, this funding still constitutes a small fraction of the national budget, highlighting persistent challenges in prioritizing healthcare.3,4
At the heart of addressing these challenges lies the recognition of every person's right to receive safe and quality healthcare. Understanding and advocating for these rights is essential, as it empowers individuals to demand the care they deserve and address any barriers they may face. Whether it's overcoming financial obstacles or combating discrimination, empowering individuals to assert their rights is crucial in the pursuit of health equity.1
Furthermore, achieving health equity requires addressing the broader social determinants of health. Access to clean water, nutritious food, safe housing, and education are all important components of a healthy life. By addressing these underlying factors, steps can be taken to eliminate the barriers of a system that sustains health inequities.
On World Health Day and beyond, the call to action is clear: commit to tangible steps towards achieving health equity for all. This World Health Day, the WHO calls for people to learn about their health rights and advocate for policy changes that prioritize healthcare access and affordability, for yourself and everyone.
References:1. WHO. 2024. World Health Day 2024: My health, my right. Available at https://www.who.int/news-room/events/detail/2024/04/07/default-calendar/world-health-day-2024-my-health-my-right. Accessed April 2024 2. Philippine Statistic Authority. 2023. 2022 Philippine National Health Accounts. Available at https://psa.gov.ph/statistics/pnha. Accessed April 2024 3. Piedad, M. 2023. Under the knife: the 2024 health budget – IBON Foundation Available at https://www.ibon.org/2024p-health-cuts/. Accessed April 2024 4. Business Mirror. 2023. Go calls for prudent spending after DOH budget hike in GAA | BusinessMirror. Available at https://businessmirror.com.ph/2024/01/09/go-calls-for-prudent-spending-after-doh-budget-hike-in-gaa/. Accessed April 2024
