Universal health coverage refers to what all people can obtain health services they need without suffering financial hardship. Experience has illustrated, time and again, that Universal Health Coverage is achieved when political will is strong. So in this 70th anniversary year, WHO is calling on world leaders to live up to the pledges they made when they agreed the Sustainable Development Goals in 2015, and commit to concrete steps to advance the health of all people. This means ensuring that everyone, everywhere can access essential quality health services without facing financial hardship.
World Health Day 2018 campaign took place in Dhaka and Mymensingh cities in the country as a joint initiative of SERAC-Bangladesh, Bangladesh Youth Health Action Network and the Universal Health Coverage Coalition on 7th April, 2018. The campaign was joined by a number of youth representatives from Dhaka and Mymensingh cities in the country at rallies and discussion gatherings on health day. The campaign was intended to raise voices and demands for access to affordable and quality healthcare for everyone and to recognize health as fundamental human rights in the Constitution of Bangladesh. The Rally in Dhaka and Mymensingh city took place, at TSC in University of Dhaka, in Dhaka, and Sadar in Mymensingh.
Dhaka:
The march started from TSC in University of Dhaka, Dhaka followed by a discussion meeting held at the TSC of University of Dhaka. Participants shared their views around universal health coverage and how it is achievable in Bangladesh. The campaign was moderated by SERAC-Bangladesh’s Youth Program Associate Tasnia Ahmed, while Assistant Director Abdul Wadud, Deputy Program Manager Shamiul Haque, Tareqer Rahman, Nusrat Sharmin Resma, Tanzima Islam, Sharika Afrin, Nazmul Hasan Oscar, Asif Anwar, Nahidur Rahman and Anika Nawshin were present at the occasion.
Mymensingh:
The world health day rally took place at Patgudam of Sadar upazilla and then a discussion meeting was held at Patgudam High School in Mymensingh. The campaign was led by SERAC-Bangladesh’s Divisional coordinator, Mizanur Rahman Pavel while hundreds of adolescent and young people joined.
This campaign was intended to focus on the meaningful participation of young people, ensuring health and well-being of young people in the country. As planned, this march brought together young leaders from the Dhaka and Mymensingh alongside health rights advocates.