Tacloban City, Philippines – The country joins other nations of the world in the observance of World Health Day on April 7, the day when the World Health Organization was founded in 1948.
This year’s World Health Day activities will center on the theme “Save lives. Make hospitals safe in emergencies.”
World Health Day 2009 focuses on the resilience and safety of health facilities and the readiness of health workers who treat those affected by emergencies.
Events around the world will highlight successes, advocate for safe facility design and construction, and build momentum for widespread emergency preparedness.
The event underscores that health centers and staff are critical lifelines for vulnerable people in disasters, treating injuries, preventing illnesses and caring for people’s health needs.
They are cornerstones for primary health care in communities, meeting everyday needs, such as safe childbirth services, immunizations and chronic disease care that must continue in emergencies.
The event brings to focus the fact that often, already fragile health systems are unable to keep functioning through a disaster, with immediate and future public health consequences.
This year, the World Health Organization and international partners are underscoring the importance of investing in health infrastructure that can withstand hazards and serve people in immediate need.
As the Philippines joins in the World Health Day celebration, it is but fitting to urge the health authorities to make sure that health facilities implement systems that would respond to internal emergencies such as fires, and ensure the continuity of care.
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