Page 43 - HOH

World Health Day: PAHO calls for equitable

access to health care

5 HORA PASA , 3 DI APRIL 2019 15:54
SECCION: SALUD

World Health Day: PAHO calls for equitable access to health care
This year’s campaign calls for all people to receive integrated, quality health care at the heart of
the community. On April 9, PAHO will present a report in Mexico with recommendations on

achieving universal health.

Washington, DC, 3 April 2019 (PAHO)- Millions of people in the world still lack access to health
care and many are forced to choose between spending on health and other daily expenses. It is
estimated that in the Americas around one third of the population lacks access to health care. In
the framework of World Health Day, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) is calling for

equitable access to comprehensive and quality health care.

“Our main objective is that all people, no matter where they live, can access health care without
restrictions and without serious financial difficulties,” said the Director of PAHO and Regional

Director for the Americas of the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. Carissa F. Etienne.

Access and universal health coverage is the theme of World Health Day, which is celebrated on
7 April each year in commemoration of the founding of WHO. The campaign slogan is
“Universal Health: everyone, everywhere. This year focuses on primary health care (PHC),
equity and solidarity.

The countries of the Region have made important progress in health, which is reflected in the
16-year increase in life expectancy over the past 45 years, as well as in a reduction in infant
mortality. However, challenges still remain as these gains have not been equitable.

On April 9 and 10 in Mexico, PAHO will present the report Report of the High-Level Commission
¨Universal Health in the 21st Century: 40 Years of Alma-Ata¨. The report will provide
recommendations on expanding access and health coverage in the region by 2030, without
leaving anyone behind.

The presentation of the report will be led by the President of Mexico, Andrés Manuel López