Georgetown: On the heels of the recently hosted health fair in observance of World Health Day 2018, United Nations Resident Coordinator, Mikiko Tanaka has recommitted the UN’s support to ensure Guyana achieves universal and equitable health coverage.
The United Nations, since its inception, has been actively involved in promoting and protecting good health worldwide. Leading that effort within the UN system is the Pan American Health Organisation and the World Health Organisation (PAHO/WHO)
Guyana has, in the past, received a high volume of technical support from PAHO/WHO in improving the delivery of its healthcare services. The Resident Coordinator pointed out that Guyana should be proud of what has been achieved over time in the health sector.
“Let us talk to our families, friends and colleagues about universal health what it means and why it is important we need to commit to concrete steps to advance health care for all; this means ensuring that everyone everywhere can access essential quality health services without facing financial hardships.”
According to Tanaka, access to essential quality care and financial protection not only enhances the health and life expectancy of persons but also protects countries from epidemics, reduces poverty and the risk of hunger, creates jobs, drives economic growth and enhances gender equality.
In this regard, the United Nations aims to inspire, motivate and guide member states to make commitments towards universal health. “[We will] inspire by highlighting policy-makers power to transform the health of their nation framing the challenges as exciting and ambitious and inviting them to be part of the change and motivate by sharing examples of how countries are already progressing towards universal health and encourage others to find their own path,” Tanaka explained.
Several members of the UN are engaged in this critical task of achieving universal health coverage. Many health-related matters are addressed directly by the UN General Assembly and the Economic and Social Council. There are also supported, joint efforts from the wider UN programme in the areas of HIV/AIDS through the UNAIDS programme, the work of the United Nations Population Fund (UNPF) in support of reproductive adolescent and maternal health and children health-related activities of UNICEF.
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