Around the world, the right to health for millions of people is increasingly under threat.
Diseases and disasters are attracting a lot of attention as causes of death and disability.
Conflict destroys lives and causes death, pain, hunger and mental suffering.
Burning fossil fuels is also creating a climate crisis, killing us every five seconds due to indoor and outdoor air pollution, and robbing us of our right to breathe clean air.
The WHO's Council on the Economics of Health for All found that at least 140 countries have constitutional recognition of health as a human right. However, countries have not passed or implemented laws to ensure the right of their citizens to access health services. This confirms the fact that by 2021, at least 4.5 billion people, more than half of the world's population, will lack full coverage of essential health services.
To address these types of challenges, the theme for World Health Day 2024 is: “My health, my rights.”
This year's theme is: safe drinking water, clean air, good nutrition, quality housing, decent working and environmental conditions, freedom, as well as access to quality health services, education and information everywhere. Chosen to defend everyone's rights. From discrimination.
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Topics related to human rights and health
Programs for gender equality, human rights and health equity
Human Rights Day 2023 Poster: Health is a human right