Across the planet, the right to health for millions of people is increasingly under threat. Conflicts, climate crises and the spread of disease are causing tremendous pain, hunger, psychological distress and death.
The right to health is a basic human right, for everyone, everywhere. With that in mind, the theme for World Health Day this year is “My health, my right.”
This year also marks the thirtieth anniversary of the landmark International Conference on Population and Development, where world leaders agreed to take concrete action to put human rights – including sexual and reproductive health and rights – at the heart of sustainable development. It’s an ideal time to look back at the successes of the past three decades, and to look ahead to the challenges of tomorrow.
Indeed, over the years, progress has been made: Humanity is healthier and happier; motherhood is safer; people are living longer. However, progress has disproportionately improved the lives of those who are easiest to reach, leaving many members of marginalized communities excluded from advances, with their right to health unfulfilled. And progress has stalled or reversed on some fundamental issues, such as maternal deaths. Tragically, a woman dies every two minutes due to pregnancy or childbirth.
It is clear that the world must prioritize and urgently invest in rights-based solutions. To that end, governments must strengthen health systems to ensure universal access to life-saving medicines and quality, culturally appropriate care – so that health care is within reach for all.
Racism, sexism and other forms of discrimination are often behind unequal access to health care. Realizing the right to health means reckoning with discrimination across systems and institutions and closing gaps in access to essential care, especially sexual and reproductive care. In order to challenge biases and enable all societies to thrive, it’s critical to collect disaggregated data.
With many laws and norms continuing to restrict women’s rights around the world, women and girls are pushing their communities and countries to hear their voices and respect their wishes. They are reminding leaders that every individual on earth has the right to physical and mental well-being – and that bodily autonomy is key to enabling people to make their own health-care choices.
“Bodily autonomy means my body is for me; my body is my own,” UNFPA Executive Director Dr. Natalia Kanem has said. “It’s about power, and it’s about agency. It’s about choice, and it’s about dignity. Bodily autonomy is the foundation for gender equality, and above all, it’s a fundamental right.”
UNFPA is working toward the goal of health for everyone, everywhere, by supporting comprehensive, high-quality sexual and reproductive care – a key to global health. Please join us on the journey to achieve health for all. You can learn about ways to get involved in World Health Day from the World Health Organization here.
