- On this World Health Day, let us make a renewed commitment to building a fairer and more inclusive healthcare system that meets the needs of all people, including those with disabilities. By working together, we can create a world where everyone has access to the healthcare they need to live healthy and fulfilling lives.
- WHO’s 75th anniversary year is an opportunity to look back at public health successes that have improved quality of life during the last seven decades
The World Health Organization (WHO) was established in 1948 with the goal of promoting health and preventing illness on a global scale. Over the past 75 years, the organization has made tremendous strides in improving public health around the world. From eradicating smallpox to tackling HIV/AIDS and COVID-19, WHO has played a crucial role in protecting the health of people everywhere.
One of the greatest achievements of WHO has been the eradication of smallpox. This deadly disease, which killed millions of people over centuries, was officially eradicated in 1980 thanks to a global vaccination campaign led by WHO. This achievement marked the first time in history that a disease had been eradicated through human effort.
WHO has also made significant progress in combating infectious diseases such as tuberculosis, malaria, and HIV/AIDS. The organization has developed innovative strategies and provided technical support to countries to prevent the spread of these diseases and ensure access to life-saving treatments. As a result, millions of lives have been saved and the burden of disease has been reduced in many parts of the world.
More recently, WHO has been at the forefront of the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The organization has worked tirelessly to provide guidance to countries on how to prevent and control the spread of the virus, as well as to develop vaccines and treatments. Through its efforts, WHO has helped to slow the spread of the virus and mitigate the impact of the pandemic on communities around the world.
However, despite these achievements, much work remains to be done. One area where WHO has been focusing its efforts in recent years is in improving the health of people with disabilities. According to the World Health Survey, there are over 1 billion people in the world who live with some form of disability, and these individuals often face significant barriers to accessing health care and other services.
To address this issue, WHO has developed a number of initiatives aimed at promoting the health and well-being of people with disabilities. For example, the organization has developed guidelines on how to provide accessible health care to people with disabilities, and has advocated for the inclusion of disability in global health policies and strategies.
WHO has also been working to promote the rights of people with disabilities, including their right to access health care on an equal basis with others. The organization has collaborated with disability organizations and governments around the world to develop policies and programs that ensure the inclusion of people with disabilities in all aspects of society.
As WHO celebrates its 75th anniversary, it is important to recognize the organization's achievements in improving public health around the world. From eradicating smallpox to tackling COVID-19, WHO has played a vital role in protecting the health of people everywhere. As we look to the future, we must continue to support WHO's efforts to promote health and well-being for all, including people with disabilities.