World Health Day 2024
As we mark World Health Day on April 7, 2024, The Social Workers Association of Alberta (“SWAA”) joins hands with the global community in emphasizing the pivotal theme set forth by the World Health Organization (WHO, 2024): "My health, my right."
SWAA firmly believes that health is not merely a privilege but a fundamental human right, irrespective of geographical location, socio-economic status, or cultural background.
This year’s theme underscores the urgent need to ensure that everyone, everywhere, enjoys equitable access to essential healthcare services, safe drinking water, clean air, food security, quality housing, decent working conditions, and a healthy environment. It emphasizes the importance of eradicating barriers that hinder individuals from realizing their right to health, including discrimination, inequality, and lack of resources (WHO, 2024).
As social workers committed to promoting social justice and well-being, we reaffirm our dedication to advocating for policies and initiatives that prioritize health equity and empower individuals to claim their rights to health. We recognize that achieving health for all requires collaborative efforts from governments, organizations, communities, and individuals alike.
Locally, Albertans are finding it difficult to access primary healthcare (Downton, 2024), and emergency rooms are often overburdened (Lee, 2023). Alberta’s governing United Conservative Party is also looking to ban vital healthcare for trans and gender diverse youth (SWAA, 2024).
Despite recent plans from Canada’s federal government, many continue to face barriers to accessing pharmacare (Fortner, 2024) dental care (Rachini, 2023), and mental health care (Wang, et al., 2024).
On this World Health Day, let us unite in our commitment to building a world where every person can enjoy their right to health without discrimination or barriers. Together, we can create a healthier, more equitable future for all.
References:
Downton, S. (2024, January 23). Primary care is ‘crumbling’ Alberta Medical Association says, citing new survey data. CityNews Calgary. https://calgary.citynews.ca/2024/01/23/alberta-medical-association-survey/
Fortner, C. (2024, February 28). Albertans unsure on province’s plan to opt out of national pharmacare plan. CityNews Calgary. https://calgary.citynews.ca/2024/02/28/albertans-unsure-on-provinces-plan-to-opt-out-of-national-pharmacare-plan/
Lee, J. (2023, May 24). 190 Calgary doctors warn emergency rooms “collapsing” in open letter. CBC. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/calgary-doctors-warn-emergency-rooms-collapsing-1.6852938
Rachini, M. (2023, December 12). Canada’s new dental care plan could impact nearly 9 million Canadians — are you one of them? CBC. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/canada-dental-care-plan-benefit-1.7055975
SWAA. (2024, March 6). Statement on Alberta Anti-Trans policies. Social Workers Association of Alberta. https://www.myswaa.ca/news/statement-on-alberta-anti-trans-policies
Wang, J., Pasyk, S., Slavin-Stewart, C., & Olagunju, A. T. (2024). Barriers to Mental Health care in Canada Identified by Healthcare Providers: A Scoping Review. Administration and Policy in Mental Health and Mental Health Services Research. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10488-024-01366-2
WHO. (2024). World Health Day 2024. https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-health-day/2024