WHO Nigeria Representative Emphasizes Health as a Human Right at World Health Day Commemoration

Dr. Walter Molumbo, the Country Representative of the World Health Organisation (WHO) Nigeria, underscored the importance of treating health deprivation as a human rights violation during a health walk organized by WHO Nigeria and the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare in Abuja on Tuesday. The event was held to commemorate the 2024 World Health Day.

World Health Day is observed globally every year on April 7 to draw attention to a specific health issue deserving special focus. The theme for the 2024 World Health Day is ‘My health, my right.’

Dr. Molumbo highlighted the founding principles of WHO, established 76 years ago by Member States, based on the fundamental belief that health is a basic human right and should not be considered a privilege. He emphasized that any instance of health deprivation should be treated as a violation of human rights, whether it involves a child missing vaccination or a mother dying during childbirth.

In addition, Kachollom Daju, the Permanent Secretary at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, reaffirmed the ministry’s collaboration with WHO to enhance healthcare delivery in Nigeria. He emphasized the government’s commitment to raising awareness about citizens’ rights to healthcare and quality treatment, emphasizing the monitoring of health through a human rights lens.

Daju also highlighted the efforts of the current administration in revitalizing the health sector as part of the renewed hope agenda. The sector is being reinvigorated to ensure Universal Health Coverage for all, starting from primary healthcare at the community level and extending to tertiary care.