Reminding that the theme of the World Health Organization (WHO) this year is “Health for All”, Ahmet Savaşan emphasized that the chosen theme aims for everyone to lead a healthy life in a sustainable world, in peace and prosperity.

30% OF THE GLOBAL POPULATION DOES NOT HAVE ACCESS TO BASIC HEALTH CARE!

Pointing out that health is a fundamental human right, Ahmet Savaşan said, “Everyone should be able to access the health services when they need, without facing economic problems. However, 30% of the global population does not have access to basic health services. Nearly 2 billion people are impoverished by health expenditures, there are serious inequalities affecting particularly vulnerable groups.

“UNIVERSAL HEALTH COVERAGE” IS POSSIBLE WITH ACCESS TO QUALITY PRIMARY HEALTH CARE SERVICES…

Pointing out that “universal health coverage” aims to provide access to quality primary health care services and financial protection, to lift people out of poverty and to support the well-being of families and communities, Ahmet Savaşan said, “In order to achieve the goal of Health for All, it should be made possible for individuals to access high-quality health services so that they can protect their health and that of their families. He also emphasized the need to increase the number of skilled health workers who provide quality, human-centered care.

MORE THAN 13 MILLION DEATHS ARE CAUSED BY PREVENTABLE ENVIRONMENTAL CAUSES…

Pointing out that the climate crisis is the biggest health threat facing humanity, Ahmet Savaşan underlined that the climate crisis is also a health crisis. Stating that WHO has revealed that more than 13 million deaths worldwide are caused by preventable environmental causes every year, Ahmet Savaşan said, “A very large part of people breathe the unhealthy air caused by burning fossil fuels. Global warming shows that mosquitoes are spreading diseases more and faster than ever before. Extreme weather events, land degradation and water scarcity are displacing people and affecting their health. Pollution and plastics can now be seen at the bottom of our deepest oceans, even on the highest mountains, and unfortunately, they have entered in our food chain. Systems that produce overprocessed, unhealthy food and drink are triggering a wave of obesity, increasing cancer and heart disease, while accounting for a third of greenhouse gas emissions. These realities show us that unconsidered commercial, political and social decisions trigger climate and health crises.

INEQUALITIES IN ACCESS TO HEALTH SERVICES MUST BE ELIMINATED…

Pointing out that in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, as in many parts of the world, people have problems in terms of accessing good and timely health services, Ahmet Savaşan pointed to important tasks that governments and stakeholders should carry out to eliminate inequalities in access to health services, to help weak and vulnerable groups, and to work for a fairer world.

THE COUNCIL WILL CONTINUE TO DO ITS PART WITH 56 COUNTRIES…

Stating that there is a vital need to invest in health services both in the world and in the TRNC, Ahmet Savaşan said, “The goal of humanity should be to work towards creating a more just world where everyone can access basic health services on time, equality in health is supported, and poverty and hunger are eliminated. In order to reach this goal, it seems imperative for countries to increase cooperation both within and between countries. The Global Healthcare Travel Council (GHTC) will continue to act together with the representatives of 56 member countries at the point of raising the awareness needed to reach these goals, increasing cooperation between countries and promoting a healthy lifestyle in the future.”

WE SHOULD STRIVE FOR PUBLIC HEALTH, STARTING WITH OURSELVES…

At the end of his message, Savaşan said, “Let’s appreciate our health and let’s not forget that the health of the society is only possible when individuals are healthy. On the occasion of this important day, I celebrate the World Health Day of all our healthcare workers and people, and I wish everyone a healthy life by calling on all people to strive for public health, starting with themselves.”