As the 75th anniversary of the establishment of WHO approaches on the 7th of April this year, it marks a monumental occasion for the world. Back in 1948, the countries of the world came together in a remarkable feat of collaboration and unity to create the United Nations specialized agency to safeguard and promote global health. This agency aimed to serve the vulnerable and ensure that individuals across the globe could achieve optimal health and well-being regardless of their location.
Over the past 75 years, WHO has made incredible strides in the field of public health, thanks to a science-driven approach that has encouraged learning and collaboration across countries and cultures. This approach has been critical in achieving the monumental milestones of public health that we see today. WHO’s 75th anniversary provides a unique opportunity for reflection on the collective achievements in public health over the last seven decades. The world has witnessed immense improvements in the quality of life, well-being, and longevity for people globally.
Despite the significant strides made in public health, the world still faces numerous health challenges that demand urgent attention. The 75th anniversary of WHO presents an opportunity to reinvigorate action towards addressing these challenges. By building on the remarkable progress made over the past 75 years, we can tackle future health challenges head-on and ensure that everyone globally can enjoy longer, healthier lives.
The current COVID-19 pandemic serves as a stark reminder of the importance of global collaboration in the field of public health. With the emergence of this virus, the world has been forced to unite in the fight against a common enemy. This pandemic has highlighted the need for an agile and responsive public health system that can adapt to emerging challenges and provide effective solutions.
The COVID-19 pandemic has also brought to light the disparities that exist in access to healthcare across the globe. These disparities are rooted in socioeconomic factors, among other issues, and are more pronounced in low- and middle-income countries. WHO’s 75th anniversary presents an opportunity to address these disparities and work towards achieving health equity globally.
Another critical issue that needs attention is the growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). NCDs, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer, are responsible for over 70% of all deaths globally. These diseases often result from lifestyle choices such as unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, and tobacco use. Addressing the burden of NCDs requires a multisectoral approach that involves governments, civil society, the private sector, and individuals.
Additionally, the world is facing an ever-increasing burden of mental health issues. Mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders are estimated to affect over 700 million people globally. These disorders have far-reaching consequences that impact not only the individual but also their families, communities, and society at large. WHO’s 75th anniversary presents an opportunity to prioritize mental health as a crucial aspect of global health and to invest in effective interventions to address this growing burden.
In conclusion, the 75th anniversary of WHO is a significant milestone that presents a unique opportunity to reflect on the achievements made over the past seven decades and to reinvigorate action towards addressing current and future public health challenges. The current COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for global collaboration and a responsive public health system. Addressing disparities in access to healthcare and the growing burden of NCDs and mental health issues are critical challenges that require urgent attention. By working together, we can ensure that everyone globally can attain the highest level of health and well-being.
