Avoidable environmental causes contribute to over 13 million deaths globally as per the yearly estimate of WHO.
, and other social and commercial decisions that drive the health crisis.
Pollution and plastics also destroy our food chain due to their accumulation on the ocean beds and in the forest and mountains. Meanwhile, increased consumption of highly processed foods and an unhealthy lifestyle invites several diseases ranging from obesity to cancer.
Effects of Pandemic
Global havoc created by the COVID-19 pandemic has underlined the existing health inequities in today’s world and the urgency for interventions toward societal well-being and overall health.
Attaining equitable health not only fosters a sustainable economy but also helps set stable goals for future generations.
Health Issues to be Addressed
Some of the chronic health crises that require global promotion are-
The above is the view from Dr. Nimesh G. Desai, senior consultant in Psychiatry, and former director IHBAS and Dr. Kiran Melkote, orthopedic surgeon based in Delhi, India, and member of Association for Harm Reduction, Education and Research.
It is also equally important to adopt alternative harm reduction policies and reformative strategies against the ‘cessation only approach’ for tobacco.
‘One approach (may not) suit all’ according to Dr. Kiran Melkote, orthopedic surgeon based in Delhi, India, and member of AHRER Association for Harm Reduction, Education and Research.
This mandates the availability of alternatives like vaping, lozenges, heated products, and patches to adult smokers.
Breathe-In Health
One may participate in several activities or share their stories about measures undertaken for protecting the planet and health through offline, or social media using the hashtag #HealthierTomorrow.
One may also approach governments, health corporations/facilities to facilitate their health venture or even participate in:
-
WHO’s Health for All Film Festival “Our planet, our health” award. You may vote and comment for your favorite film on the YouTube playlist using #HealthierTomorrow, #Film4Health, or even submit your short film for the “Our planet, our health” award between October 30, 2022 and January 30, 2023.
-
Another event that shows casts the visions and voices of a healthy planet: A Healing Arts Event for World Health Day 2022 is hosted on the WHO YouTube channel by Christopher Bailey, Arts + Health Lead @ WHO and Dr. Nisha Sajnani, founding co-director of the Arts + Health @ NYU on 5th of April, 9 am EST, 3 pm CET.
Converge toward the global health campaign with WHO to create a healthier planet for tomorrow!
References:
- World Health Day 2022
– (https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-health-day/2022) - World Health Day 2022 – Our planet, our health
– (https://www.paho.org/en/campaigns/world-health-day-2022) - World Health Day 2022 – Our Planet, Our Health
– (https://www.chp.gov.hk/en/features/105537.html)
Source: Medindia
