World Health Day 2021: Building a fairer, healthier world

World Health Day 2021: Building a fairer, healthier world

The 7th of March marks the celebration of World Health Day, an initiative that aims to raise awareness of key public health issues across the world. Every year, World Health Day provides an aspect of world health that is of particular concern with a global platform to increase awareness, and in 2021, the World Health Organisation is calling for action to build a fairer, healthier world by working towards the elimination of health inequities.

The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed and exacerbated inequalities in almost every facet of life, pushing many into poverty and accelerating gender, social and health inequalities at an unprecedented rate. Evidence has shown that social factors – including education, income level, employment status, ethnicity and gender – can have a marked impact on the health status of individuals. Widening equity gaps have made it harder than ever for those from marginalised communities to thrive and reach their potential. With this in mind, it is more important than ever to empower those who are most at risk and eliminate health inequalities for good.

Health inequalities are avoidable and can be prevented with the implementation of strategies to improve health equity for the most vulnerable groups. Girls and women across the globe are disproportionately affected by many issues, and taking steps to reduce gender disparities in health and improve women’s rights to quality healthcare services has proved a powerful and direct way to reduce health inequality. That’s why here at Inspiring Leadership Foundation we are fully committed to supporting women overcome barriers that might otherwise prevent them from reaching their full potential.

Health inequalities carry significant social and economic costs not only for individuals but for society as a whole. Protecting women’s health is vital for the advancement of communities. Therefore, we urge you to get involved in the conversation by following World Health Organisation on Instagram, looking out for the hashtags #HealthForAll and #WorldHealthDay. Or, if you would like to get involved with our work to drive social change and gender equality here at ILT, please get in touch.

– Rose, ILT Volunteer