Message from Dr Bardan Jung Rana, WHO Representative to Bangladesh
This year, the World Health Day's theme calls on governments, decision-makers, leaders and people to address inequities in the effort of 'Building a fairer, healthier world'.
Such a goal is more urgent than ever, as we are still navigating the COVID-19 global emergency, which has exacerbated the already existing socio-economic inequities. The pandemic has significantly impacted countries at all levels of income and development, but it has disproportionally affected the living conditions of vulnerable populations.
All the aspects of our daily lives have suffered and are still suffering: housing, employment, education, safe environment, and above all, essential health services and wellbeing. This crisis proves that no one can be safe until everybody is safe; we must protect ourselves and our communities, leaving no one behind.
Health care services have to be made accessible to everyone, regardless of gender, race, social class or economic status. This approach is needed in the case of the COVID-19 vaccination campaign, as well as in addressing other health issues such as communicable and non-communicable diseases, maternal and child health condition, and malnutrition, among others. Such an intersectoral approach is essential to address inequities in the long term.
The government of Bangladesh has proved to be highly committed to this cause. It has set an international standard by responding to the COVID-19 pandemic with the persistent implementation of the "whole-of-government, whole-of-society" approach.
Resilient health systems, focused on equal access and social protection, are pivotal in tackling inequities and inequalities and play a key role in achieving universal health coverage, especially in a crisis like the COVID-19 pandemic. To make informed decisions to narrow the disparities, it is also extremely important to systematically monitor and analyze health equity data.
During this pandemic, when so many vital areas required urgent and significant financial intervention, the government of Bangladesh may explore innovative sources of revenue to ensure consistent investments in the health sector.
The crisis is not over yet. It is fundamental that we work together and combine our efforts to address health inequalities and improve access to health services by prioritizing the investments in primary health care. Community participation, localized innovation and social mobilization are crucial to solve the inequalities that have deep roots in the cultural and socio-economic context.
This year's theme calls on all of us, leaders, development partners, and people, to act, take responsibility, and commit to building a fairer, healthier world.