Celebrate Wealth ‘for all,’ here and throughout the World on World Health Day
By Dennis Archambault
Several years ago, a commentary focused on the audacity of “creating health” as opposed to responding to disease and injury in the form of “health care”. It projected beyond the absence of disease and illness, but the actual act of “creating” health through individual and collective action. It posited, what would happen if we invested some of the resources we spend on health care services and create health, and ultimately a healthy world?
World Health Day, April 7, is a day dedicated to the notion that it is possible to create health not only among affluent populations, but for everyone. Sponsored by the World Health Organization, this day also commemorates the 75th anniversary of WHO, which was established “to promote health, keep the world safe and serve the vulnerable – so everyone, everywhere can attain the highest level of health and well-being.”
The theme resonates with Authority Health’s original premise, “access to health for all.” While one may immediately conclude access to “health care,” which would be accurate. But the idea – and ideal – extends to health equity: access to health. That addresses not only access to health insurance coverage and filling gaps in service delivery but helping the vulnerable attain health and thereby have a higher standard of well-being.
So, this year’s theme is meaningful for celebrating WHO’s 75th anniversary, but also locally to celebrate the role Authority Health has played to help ensure health and health equity on the local level.
Check out WHO’s campaign page for video presentations on highlights of progress in public health worldwide. Happy World Health Day!
Dennis Archambault is vice president of Public Affairs for Authority Health.