April 7 is celebrated the World Health Day. A day established in 1948 by the WHO (World Health Organization) with a very specific objective: to allow everyone, without discrimination, access to quality health care. An appointment that, as never before this year, conveys an important message. In a world upset by the pandemicin fact, it is essential that everyone has the same opportunities. Whether we are talking about treatments or vaccines, it matters little.
World Health Day, the WHO appeal
On the occasion of World Health Day 2021, the leaders of the WHO have launched an appeal to world leaders: monitor health inequalities, to build a fairer and healthier world. And, above all, to guarantee everyone the same "Weapons" to fight the Coronavirus. Moreover, the pandemic has amplified inequalities. Just think of the poorest students, penalized by the dad. To women victims of violence, but also to those who live in the most complicated corners of the planet and even struggle to find a medicine. “Covid-19 has hit all countries hard, but its impact has been harder on vulnerable communities. These groups are more exposed to the disease, less likely to have access to quality health services. And they are more likely to suffer negative consequences from the measures to contain the pandemic " reads on the WHO portal.
How to improve the health of the population
With the advent of the pandemic, the inequalities, like never before. And the world health service has highlighted all its shortcomings. It is therefore essential that governments commit themselves on this front, allocating resources to public health and also reaching the poorest sections of the population. Hence, the WHO decision to promote five urgent actions:
- accelerate equal access to Covid-19 technologies between and within countries (treatments and vaccines)
- investing in primary health care
- give priority to health and social protection
- build safe, healthy and inclusive neighborhoods
- strengthen health information systems
On the pandemic front, it is essential that vaccines are accessible to all. And, in the same way, every country must be able to make masks, oxygen and diagnostic tests available to its citizens and patients.
Not neglecting diseases is essential
On World Health Day, the emphasis is also placed on other pathologies. Those that, due to Covid-19, risk being underestimated. Already last October, the president of the national federation of the Orders of Doctors Filippo Anelli raised the alarm. According to Istat data, in 2020 they died in Italy 30mila people more diseases other than Covid compared to previous years. “This data worries us, because it can also be the final consequence of the so-called neglected diseases cause pandemics" he had declared. Oncological and cardiovascular diseases they risk being diagnosed late and not treated immediately in the correct way because they are "obscured" by the Coronavirus. At the first access of patients, oncologists see staging pictures of more advanced cancers, as a consequence of the missed or delayed screening. And, heart attacks, they arrive in the emergency room in their most acute phase. A risk that cannot be taken, even in the midst of a pandemic.
