Around the world, the right to health of millions is increasingly coming under threat. Diseases and disasters loom large as causes of death and disability. Conflicts are devastating lives, causing death, pain, hunger and psychological distress. The burning of fossil fuels is simultaneously driving the climate crisis and taking away our right to breathe clean air, with indoor and outdoor air pollution claiming a life every 5 seconds.
This year’s theme was chosen to champion the right of everyone, everywhere to have access to quality health services, education, and information, as well as safe drinking water, clean air, good nutrition, quality housing, decent working and environmental conditions, and freedom from discrimination.
RIATT-ESA recognizes the challenges and barriers adolescent girls, children, and youths experience in accessing equitable health care in the communities. World Health Organization indicates that, as of 2020, 1,200,000 representing 67% of children living with HIV/AIDS were living in East and Southern Africa.
Although governments and partners have made tremendous progress in strengthening health systems and the quality of healthcare provision, there is still a need for concerted efforts to address the existing challenges and gaps in the healthcare sector to enhance the treatment, care, and support of children affected by and or living with HIV/AIDS.
This year’s World Health Day commemoration must remind all players in the Health sector to reaffirm their commitment in providing equitable and quality health care to everyone and everywhere without regard to any form of discrimination be it gender, sex, sex orientation, religion, ethic and racial background.