The Government of Liberia and partners have joined the rest of the world in commemoration of World Health Day 2022.
The program was organized by the World Health Organization with the intent of flagging critical issues relating to health and the environment.
This year’s celebration focused on the effect of climate change on health – Liberia’s situation and a round table discussion on the effect of climate change on health.
Speaking during the observance of the day at the Ministry of Health in Congo Town, Liberia’s Health Minister, Dr. Wilhelmina Jallah, revealed that there exists an interrelation between the climate action and human health.
Dr. Jallah asserted that the form and manner in which the environment is treated by humans, brings about positive and negative impacts.
“We must exert all efforts to save our planet from the negative impacts of climate change,” Dr. Jallah said.
The Health Minister stressed the need for robust plans to be put in place in protecting future generations to come and noted that in protecting the climate and the environment, health practitioners must handle medical wastes properly and Liberians must also dispose household wastes properly.
Delivering a special message on behalf of the World Health Organization Regional Director for Africa, Mus Duworko said this year’s theme “Our planet, “Our Health” serves as a link between the planet and human health.
“It is a burden of non-communicable and infectious diseases that are also associated with climate change,” Duworko said.
She disclosed that the World Health Organization estimates that more than 13 million annual deaths globally are due to avoidable environmental causes.
“During the past 10 decades most public health issues are being climate related, “she added.
For his part, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Commission, Bobby Whitefield said the Government of Liberia believes one way in protecting the environment is to end Open Defecation.
Ambassador Whitfield disclosed that many Liberians do not have bathrooms in their houses, thus giving rise to defecating in the open by many Liberians.
“Feces pollutes our water sources and threatens our health,” Ambassador Whitefield noted.
The day was celebrated since 1950 to commemorate the founding of the World Health Organization and celebrated on April 7 each year.
The 2022 World Health Day celebration was held under the theme: “Our Planet, Our Health.”