Improving the health of others is central to the lives of our wonderful Fit Right customers and we are taking the time on World Health Day to acknowledge the impact of the healthcare industry. From the challenges health care workers face to the initiatives designed to make the sector more inclusive, accessible and equitable, we’re breaking down what World Health Day means to us.
What is World Health Day?
World Health Day is celebrated every year on April 7 to mark the anniversary of the founding of the World Health Organisation (WHO) in 1948. Every year a theme is chosen to highlight an issue in public health to create awareness and encourage change on a global scale.
What is the theme for World Health Day 2022?
This year for World Health Day the World Health Organisation, is highlighting the connection between our planet and our health. The past couple of years living through a pandemic, experiencing the increasing effects of environmental pollution and a rise in diseases like cancer, asthma and heart disease has led WHO to shine a light on the change that needs to be made to encourage societies to improve wellbeing. WHO have three questions to consider;
Are we able to reimagine a world where clean air, water and food are available to all?
Where economies are focused on health and well-being?
Where cities are liveable and people have control over their health and the health of the planet?
What are current challenges for the healthcare industry?
WHO estimates that 13 million deaths globally can be attributed to avoidable diseases that stem from environmental causes. The increasing pressure of the climate crisis is the single largest threat to humanity as it eclipses all other health crises. From air quality to an increase in mosquito-borne illness, extreme weather events, plastic pollution and reduced food quality, the diagnoses of lifestyle disease like heart disease and cancer are taking a toll on the wellbeing of our communities.
In the midst of the pandemic healthcare workers have had to cope with the stress of increased pressure on the medical system, treating COVID patients and continuing to treat those that are affected by these environmentally influenced illnesses.
What are some initiatives creating change in healthcare?
Medical Outreach Indigenous Chronic Diseases Program
The Medical Outreach Indigenous Chronic Diseases Program supports regional and remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who suffer from chronic diseases to receive treatment from medical specialists, general practitioners and other health professionals.
Street Side Medics
Recently named Young Australian of the Year, Dr Daniel Nour’s Street Side Medic service is a network of mobile medical services that provides medical assistance to those experiencing homelessness in NSW.
The Prevention Hub
The Prevention Hub, co-led by the Black Dog Institute and Everymind, focuses on creating change in schools and workplaces to reduce stress and prevent anxiety and depression. Their three key focus areas include creating change in workplaces, youth, children and families and in medical and healthcare.