Topics Covered:
- Issues related to health.
World Health Day
What to study?
For Prelims and Mains: World Health Day, theme and significance, challenges to UHC and the need for international cooperation.
Context: April 7 of each year marks the celebration of World Health Day. This year’s World Health Day will focus on equity and solidarity.
Theme of World Health Day 2019 is Universal Health Coverage: Everyone, Everywhere.
Background:
- From its inception at the First Health Assembly in 1948 and since taking effect in 1950, the celebration has aimed to create awareness of a specific health theme to highlight a priority area of concern for the World Health Organization.
- Over the past 50 years this has brought to light important health issues such as mental health, maternal and child care, and climate change. The celebration is marked by activities which extend beyond the day itself and serves as an opportunity to focus worldwide attention on these important aspects of global health.
What is Universal health coverage?
Universal health coverage (UHC) is about ensuring all people and communities have access to quality health services where and when they need them, without suffering financial hardship.
It includes the full spectrum of services needed throughout life—from health promotion to prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and palliative care—and is best based on a strong primary health care system.
Achieving UHC is one of the key targets of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
