People Worldwide Still Lack Vital Health Services, Secretary-General Says, Urging Access for All, in Message for International Observance

Following is UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ message for World Health Day, observed on 7 April:

Today, we mark World Health Day — and the seventieth anniversary of the World Health Organization (WHO).

WHO was founded on the principle that, and I quote, “the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health is one of the fundamental rights of every human being,” end of quote.

Since then, average global life expectancy has expanded by 23 years.  Smallpox has disappeared, and polio will soon be gone.  Millions more children live to celebrate their fifth birthdays.

But still, people around the world lack vital health services.  Today, we join WHO in recommitting to ensure that everyone, everywhere, gets the health services they need.

Join me in calling for Health for All.