The worldwide age long health organisation popularly recognized as World Health Organisation (WHO), has celebrated its 75 years of existence in promoting good health, disease prevention and controlling mortality rate for vulnerable people, ensuing the highest level of health and well-being.
This took place on the occasion marking the 2023 World Health Day in Jos, the Plateau State capital Monday, starting with a press briefing organised by the Plateau State Ministry of Health in collaboration with WHO and other partners who graced the occasion.
Addressing journalists at the conference hall of the Plateau State Primary Health Care Board Jos, the state Commissioner of Health, Dr. Nimkong Lar Ndam, said, “the World Health Day is held every year on the 17 April, and it marks the anniversary of the founding of World Health Organisation (WHO) in 1948”.
“This year’s celebration focuses on ” Health for All” while also celebrating 75 years of its formation. There has been a lot of progress in protecting people from diseases including smallpox eradication, reducing the incidence of polio by 99%, saving millions of lives through childhood immunization, decline in maternal mortality, responding to various disaster and health events and improving health well-being for millions more.
“These 75 years shows that it is possible for us to come together for a common purpose. As a government, we will continue to take action to protect, support and expand the health workforce as a strategic priority. Investments, education, skills and decent jobs for health need has been prioritized to meet the rapidly growing demand for upgrade of various tertiary health schools in the state aimed at reducing the shortage in health workforce by 2030”, he assured.
Ndam, disclosed that in a deliberate attempt to ensure health for all which is the universal health coverage, the Plateau State Government under the leadership of Governor Simon Bako Lalong, established the Health Insurance Scheme (PLASCHEMA) to reduce the catastrophic out of pocket health expenditure.
According to him, “It has also established the Drugs Hospital Equipment Management Agency to ensure availability of quality and affordable drugs and strengthening the Primary Health Care System which is the closest healthcare system to the majority of people living in the state”.
The occasion climaxed with the cutting of the 75th Anniversary cake by the commissioner and other key partners, group photographs and a glorious match past to the Secretariat Junction Jos. There was free medical check- ups and treatment for people who witnessed the occasion.
