WHO
Introduction:
- On World Health Day this year, the World Health Organization (WHO) will commemorate 75 years of promoting public health and wellness in the South-East Asia region (April 7). “Universal health coverage” (UHC), which happens when everyone has access to basic medical care without incurring financial hardship, is a key component of WHO’s commitment to achieving “Health for All.”
Universal health coverage (UHC):
- Since years ago—and even before the Alma-Ata Declaration of 1978—high-level leaders and policymakers from across the region have understood the critical role that universal access to high-quality, affordable, and comprehensive primary health care (PHC) can play in achieving UHC and, as a result, “Health for All.” The region’s redoubled, ten-year endeavour to achieve UHC, which has been one of the eight flagship priorities of the region since 2014, may be considered evidence of this.
- The specialised United Nations agency in charge of international public health is the World Health Organization (WHO). WHO was established in 1948, and Geneva, Switzerland serves as its headquarters.
- Serving the weak and working internationally to promote health are among WHO’s goals and objectives. Its supporters contend that an additional billion people should have access to universal healthcare, take part in the surveillance of public health risks, plan for medical crises, and advance their general well-being.
Issues and developments:
- Between 2010 and 2019, the region’s UHC service coverage index increased from 47 to 61. Between 2000 and 2017, the number of households in the region experiencing poverty or a deeper level of hardship as a result of out-of-pocket medical expenses decreased by 30% to 6%. There are currently about 30% more physicians, nurses, and midwives in the region than there were in 2014.
- Five countries have already surpassed the region’s Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) targets for newborn and under-five mortality. The area achieved both the mortality and morbidity goals of the Global Technical Plan for Malaria by the end of 2020. The area experienced a 34% decrease in tuberculosis incidence rates between 2000 and 2020.
- It is remarkable that the region has maintained its polio-free status while eradicating maternal and neonatal tetanus as a public health problem. With the help of immunisation, the measles, rubella, and hepatitis B have all been eradicated in five of the region’s countries.
Lessons from the outbreak:
- The 2021 Strategy for Primary Health Care and the region’s vision for faster and more sustainable progress towards UHC and “Health for Everyone” both highlight the importance of this effort on the part of the entire government and society. We must all contribute to this.
- Politicians and programme managers still need to put the region’s PHC Strategy into action. Along with promoting equality for those who are already being left behind or at risk of doing so, special attention should be paid to strengthening the public health workforce, infrastructure, and funding.
People must be heard:
- To express their rights to health and voice, people and communities must actively participate in local health decision-making. People and communities can play a significant role in evaluating the performance of health services and holding healthcare providers and policymakers accountable, as both the recent adoption of the region’s resolution on enhancing social participation in support of PHC and UHC and the 2021 WHO handbook on social participation for UHC both emphasise.
Conclusion:
- On the 75th anniversary of the founding of the WHO, let’s unite in purpose and be inspired by action to achieve UHC and “Health for All,” ensuring that everyone has good health for a happy existence in a peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable world.
