Banda Aceh, 16 September 2023 - WHO's 75th Anniversary isn't merely a cause for celebration, but a moment to revisit the strides taken in public health and reemphasize the urgency of health equity.
On 7 April 2023, the World Health Organization (WHO) celebrates its 75th birthday along with its 194 Member States and many other partners, marking a milestone in global health. The theme of this year's celebration is "Health for All", emphasizing the importance of ensuring that everyone has equal access to the essential means for a healthy life, including quality health services, healthy and safe food, water, sanitation, and environments for living, learning, and working without discrimination.
Since joining WHO in 1950, Indonesia has consistently collaborated with the organization, working towards an inclusive health landscape. Indonesia has made remarkable progress in improving health outcomes, but there is still much work to be done to achieve health equity. While the country has seen notable achievements in terms of coverage of the country’s social health insurance, or Jaminan Kesehatan Nasional, which currently covers more than 90% of the population, as well as in reducing communicable diseases and child mortality, many people still lack access to essential means for health, particularly persons with disabilities, women, elderly, and those living in poverty.
Dieter Eckhart, Technical Officer for Partnership of WHO Indonesia, commented, "Health is not a privilege, but a fundamental right. The disparity in health access based on demographics, socio-economic status, and geography is a concern we all need to address."
The WHO has pledged its continued support for Indonesia in achieving this commitment. The COVID-19 pandemic has shown that protecting health is fundamental to our economies, societies, security, and stability. It also highlighted the existing health inequities and how they resulted in disproportionate risks and socioeconomic impacts of the disease to vulnerable groups in the community. Learning from the pandemic, WHO stands ready to support the countries of the world to build back a healthier and fairer world for all.
In Aceh, the symbiotic alliance between WHO and the provincial government has fostered commendable health advancements:
- Persistent efforts in children's nutrition, immunization, and disease surveillance.
- Support since January 2023 from a dedicated WHO vaccination technical officer, amplifying immunization initiatives in Aceh.
- Collaborative endeavors in disease prevention and control, including a significant leap in early malaria detection and treatment. Aceh now has eliminated malaria in 22 of its 23 districts.
- Comprehensive strategies for filariasis prevention, with districts like Aceh Jaya adopting accelerated elimination methods.
From 16 to 18 September 2023, the WHO75 exhibition at Museum Tsunami will showcase diverse public health initiatives, from infectious disease control to health promotion. Engaging events—including discussions, healthy walks, and competitions—are designed to enlighten the public about preventive health practices and encourage healthier lifestyles. Admission is free.
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