WHO Says Looming Diseases May Cause Disasters.

World Health Organization says the looming diseases may cause disasters of death and disability.

The organisation said this in its message to commemorate the 2024 World Health Day. The WHD is a global health awareness day celebrated every year on April 7 to provide an opportunity to focus world attention on a health problem or issue that deserves special attention.

It also said its council on the Economics of Health for all has found that at least 140 countries recognize health as a human right in their constitution, while, countries are not passing and putting into practice laws to ensure their populations are entitled to access health services.

The organization also tasked the government to tax tobacco, sugar, and alcohol; eliminate trans fats; reduce amount of antimicrobials in the agri-food system by 30-50 per cent by 2030; stop fossil fuel subsidies and subsidize or exempt tax of clean energy and fuels such as solar-, hydro- and wind-based electricity; and prohibit all forms of discrimination.

He urged the government to build up cycling infrastructure, support pedestrianisation; ensure decent work, worker rights and protections, and create fair, equal and gender-responsive working conditions for health and care workers; ensure access to social protection to reduce households’ vulnerability to poverty and counteract the negative impacts of unexpected life events on income, wealth or health.