-In observance of World Health Day
By Jerromie S. Walters
As World Health Day rapidly approaches, WHO-Liberia has unveiled a range of impactful programs aimed at improving healthcare access and outcomes in Liberia. This year’s World Health Day will be held under the global theme “My Health, My Right”. World Health Day is celebrated on April 7 annually. WHO, in partnership with the Ministry of Health (MoH), is set to lead various initiatives from March 28 to April 8, 2024.
One of the focal points of these efforts is the administration of HPV vaccines to girls aged 9-14, emphasizing the importance of preventive care in combating cervical cancer. Additionally, a Dialogue with persons living with disabilities and a Blood Drive initiative are slated to further enhance community health and well-being.
Addressing a news conference held on March 26, 2024, in Monrovia, Dr. Peter Clement, WHO-Liberia Country Representative, underscored the urgency of addressing women’s health issues in Liberia. Highlighting the significance of increasing access to screening, vaccination, and treatment for cervical cancer, Dr. Clement emphasized the potential impact on reducing mortality rates among women.
Recognizing the essential need for equitable access to healthcare services, including essential medicines and vaccines, Dr. Clement called upon the government and its partners to prioritize health equity. By ensuring that all individuals, especially those in low-resource settings, have access to quality healthcare, strides can be made in bridging health disparities and improving overall health outcomes for women in Liberia.
On 2nd April, Dr. Clement said a dialogue with persons living with disabilities through the Nation Commission on Disability will be held and at the said appointment, a cane and glasses will be provided to persons living with disabilities. Especially the visually impaired.
Conspicuously, on 3rd April-Blood Drive: Dr. Clement informed newsmen that a one-day blood drive would be held at the Ministry of Health. Dr. Peter Clement said the blood program endeavors to symbolize the need for blood sufficiency across Liberia. He also emphasized the need for the government to consider strengthening the blood program.
Still in observance of World Health Day (WHD), Dr. Clement said on the 4th of April, 2024, a Panel Discussion will be held. It is exalted to be a dialogue with healthcare workers, traditional practitioners, players in gender and internal affairs, and the media on the negative health impacts of FGM.
According to the WHO-Liberia Country Representative, Liberia will join the world on 8th April 2024, for the Commemoration of World Health Day- Commencing with a Health Walk from the Ministry of Health to the Ministerial complex, followed by an indoor program graced by high-level government officials, UN representatives, Health Partners, students, UN Staff, the media, and the general public.
Climaxing the year-long celebration marking 75 years of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) existence, WHO-Liberia says World Health Day (WHD) on April 7th this year serves as the conclusion to this significant milestone. Under the theme “My Health, My Right,” WHD aims to highlight health as a fundamental human right amidst increasing threats globally and in Africa. Liberia, a nation grappling with numerous health challenges, resonates profoundly with this theme.
With commendable progress yet evident aftershocks within its healthcare system, WHO says Liberia emphasizes the necessity of a collective commitment to building a resilient and inclusive health system for the well-being of all.
As widely known, the World Health Day commemoration aims to: Raise awareness about the importance of health and fundamental human rights. It is also intended to advocate for equitable access to quality healthcare services for all Liberians,including vulnerable populations such as persons living with disabilities.
World Health Day is a global health awareness day celebrated every year on 7 April, under the sponsorship of the World Health Organization (WHO), as well as other related organizations.
WHO is the UN organization dedicated to health, The World Health Organization leads and champions global efforts by connecting nations, partners, and people to give everyone,everywhere an equal chance to live a healthy life- through promoting health, keeping the a world safe and serving the vulnerable in society.
