The World Health Organisation (WHO) has urged political leaders to ensure that all citizens, no matter where they live or who they are, can access quality healthcare services without facing financial hardship.
WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr Matshidiso Moeti, disclosed this on Friday at a press conference in Abuja to herald the 2018 World Health Day as well as the 70th anniversary of the body.
DAILY POST reports that the World Health Day is marked every April 8, and this year’s theme is: “Universal health coverage (UHC): everyone, everywhere”.
Moeti, who was represented by the WHO Country Representative, Dr. Wondi Alemu, said: “Today, I call on political leaders in Africa to live up to the SDG pledges they made in 2015, and to commit to concrete actions.
“They should ensure that everyone, no matter where they live or who they are can access essential quality health services without facing financial hardship.
“Universal Health Coverage is a powerful equalizer that ensures health for all, enhances health security, reduces poverty and promotes gender equality.
“WHO will continue to support countries to build stronger, more resilient and responsive health systems through Universal Health Coverage to advance #Health for All”
The Regional Director also said though there have been major advances in health and health technology, including life-saving medicines for diseases such as HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, hypertension and diabetes over the past 70 years, much more needs to be done to curb the increase in non-communicable diseases, address new threats as well as the challenge of antimicrobial resistance and substandard and falsified medicines.
Comments