Every year, April 7 is commemorated as World Health Day around the world as part of the United Nations’ efforts to raise awareness on themes related to health and to highlight priority areas for the World Health Organization. It has focused on important health-related topics such as universal health care, mental health issues, and safe health spaces.
This year’s theme for World Health Day is building a fairer, healthier world for everyone. In the context of the ongoing pandemic in the midst of persistent and systemic inequalities in public health, it is important to take steps that ensure no one is left behind. In regions like the Bangsamoro, Covid-19 poses unique threats as it pushes people into poverty and food insecurity, while worsening gender and health inequities.
As part of the Bangsamoro regional government, we continue to take action as we mitigate the effects of these inequities while building a fairer, healthier society that accounts for these inequities and bridging the gaps due to social inequalities.
Commemorating World Health Day as we continue to fight against a global pandemic highlights the importance not only of public health, but of upholding our shared responsibility towards our frontliners and healthcare workers who continue to work in order to keep us safe and our accountability to the people whom we have sworn to serve. More than ever, we must work together in building a fairer and healthier world for all.
