On World Health Day, the Ministry of Health of Armenia, the United Nations family, and the World Health Organization (WHO) jointly call for a healthy planet for a healthier tomorrow

WHO estimates that more than 13 million deaths around the world, including 1.4 million in WHO’s European Region each year, are caused by avoidable environmental factors. This year’s theme “Our Planet, Our Health” highlights the interconnectivity between the health of our planet and the health of humans, animals, and plants.

Air pollution alone kills one person every minute in the WHO European Region. With human impact driving climate change at an unprecedented speed and with a devastating impact on human health, it is often the most vulnerable who are hit the hardest.  

Hazardous waste, contaminated water, inadequate sanitation, tobacco, and poor industrial management are only a few other threats to not only the health of humans, but our air, water, and surrounding ecosystems.  Antibiotics and other antimicrobials administered to humans, animals and plants are entering the environment and our drinking water as waste and sewage, creating antibiotic-resistant superbugs and other drug-resistant organisms. 

A One Health approach, recognizing the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health, together with sustainable solutions that are available to governments, can help significantly mitigate the worst effects of climate change and threats to our health. Rethinking how cities and other urban areas function in future can contribute to a better air quality, something that should be taken into consideration for the post-pandemic recovery policies. 

“The Օne Health approach is more of a priority today than ever before, given the epidemics and various diseases that threaten the planet day by day. In recent years, life has shown that health care systems need to be stronger, more powerful, and resilient to respond to challenges posed by global changes. In addressing these global issues, the Ministry of Health is in line with a partnership policy aimed at ensuring a "Our planet, our health" approach. "This is an opportunity to once again reflect on our doctors and nurses, who fight every day for the health of our population, often at the expense of their own health”, said Anahit Avanesyan, the Minister of Health of the Republic of Armenia. 

“As in the past 30 years, the UN in Armenia, together with our partners, remains committed to supporting Armenia in achieving a more stable and healthy environment, raising public awareness of health issues, and providing quality and equitable medical services for the people, especially the most vulnerable. It is our collective responsibility to take urgent action to build inclusive, equitable societies that prioritize both the environment, as well as the health and inclusive and equitable well-being of all citizens", said Lila Pieters Yahia, UN Resident Coordinator in Armenia. 

“A healthy environment is the basis for sustainability and development in all countries, Armenia included. This year’s World Health Day theme is a powerful reminder that environment and health issues require an effective response incorporating a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach”, said Dr Jihane Tawilah, WHO Representative in Armenia.    

The Ministry of Health, the World Health Organization and the United Nations in Armenia will mark World Health Day with a month-long media and social mobilization campaign that will include both online and offline awareness-raising activities, such as a photography contest, an art exhibition, and social media challenges. The joint campaign calls for all citizens to become part of the solution and join in reimagining our societies, our economies, and our environment - for our planet, our health.  

For more information about the campaign, please follow the link.