Makassar, 25 August 2023 – WHO's 75th birthday is an opportunity to reflect on the progress made in public health, and to recommit to achieving 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.
Indonesia joined WHO in 1950 and has been working hand in hand to achieve health for all people in the nation. 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 of access to essential means for health, particularly persons with disabilities, women, elderly, and those living in poverty
To mark the occasion, the WHO has called for a renewed commitment to health equity in South Sulawesi, Indonesia, and around the world. "We must remember that health is a fundamental human right. Everyone deserves equal opportunities to live a healthy and productive life, regardless of gender, age, race, economic status, physical ability, and geographical location," said Dr Fransiska Mardiananingsih, National Professional Officer of Social Determinants and Health Promotion of WHO Indonesia.
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 parallel to these efforts, Makassar, as part of the WHO Healthy Cities Network for the Southeast Asia Region, is continuously bolstering government and community collaboration to enhance health equity and well-being in urban areas. Urban gardens, inclusive zones, and thriving micro-enterprises have emerged, amplifying collective efforts to foster a healthier, more equitable urban reality.
Dr Fransiska Mardiananingsih concluded, "We have made great strides in improving health outcomes for people in general, but much work remains to address health inequities in Makassar, South Sulawesi, and Indonesia. Let us renew our commitment to health equity and work together to ensure everyone has equal opportunities to live a healthy and productive life."