Half of world’s population unable to obtain essential health services: UN chief

ISLAMABAD, Apr 6 (APP):Secretary General of the United Nations António Guterres, in his message on the World Health Day, said that half of the world’s population was still unable to obtain the essential health services they needed.
The World Health Organization observes World Health Day annually on April 7 and this year’s campaign would focus on ”Universal Health Coverage.”
The UN secretary general said this World Health Day focused on universal health coverage and the crucial role primary health care played in making such coverage a reality. 
He said the universal health coverage was about changing this and ensuring equitable access to health services for all, without people experiencing financial hardship as a result.
He said it was central to building healthy societies and economies and to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.  It was not just about improving health services rather it was it was about policies and action across many sectors, he added. 
The UN secretary general called for addressing the broader determinants of health, including social, economic and environmental factors.
“And we must invest in people. We need highly trained and skilled health workers who can educate and advocate for their patients.  We need empowered individuals who know how to take care of their health and that of their families.  And we need communities to have access to health care when and where they need it.  We must also highlight the importance of mental health, so often stigmatized and forgotten,’ the UN chief remarked.
He said primary health care was the key to achieving these goals and universal health coverage.  Last year’s Declaration of Astana on Primary Health Care has paved the way for the world to prioritize the required investments.  It was time to implement the commitments made, he added.
Terming health as a human right, António Guterres said the political commitment and partnerships would be crucial in bringing it to life. 
“Let us show the world that we are ready to bridge the gaps in healthcare coverage worldwide and deliver health for all,” he remarked.