Maseru, Apr. 05 — As the World Health Organization (WHO) concludes its celebrations today, the theme for World Health Day 2024, ‘My Health, My Right’, prompts reflection on the strides made in enhancing the rights of people across the globe through health initiatives.
Dr. Matshediso Moeti, the WHO Regional Director for Africa, said that health is not merely a fundamental human right but also pivotal for peace and prosperity. She stressed that addressing health inequities necessitates deliberate and concerted efforts.
Dr. Moeti underlined the importance of considering vulnerable groups, advocating for their needs to be purposefully integrated into health programs at all levels to expedite progress towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
Highlighting significant achievements, she noted a substantial reduction in new HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths by 44% and 55%, respectively. Additionally, deaths from tuberculosis decreased by 26%. Efforts to eradicate or eliminate diseases like polio, guinea worm disease, and maternal and neonatal tetanus are also underway.
