World Health Day will be commemorated on Tuesday, April 7, under the theme “Health Facilities in Emergencies”.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the day will be devoted to highlighting the resilience and safety of health facilities and the health workers who treat those affected by emergencies.

“They are cornerstones for primary health care in communities – meeting everyday needs, such as safe childbirth services, immunisations and chronic disease care that must continue in emergencies. Often, already fragile health systems are unable to keep functioning through a disaster, with immediate and future public health consequences,” stated the WHO.

Events around the world are expected to highlight successes, advocate for safe facility design and construction, and build momentum for widespread emergency preparedness.

In Barbados, the Ministry of Health will mark the day by supporting the health fair of the Lions and Leos of Barbados at Heroes Square, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.  Minister of Health, Donville Inniss, will deliver remarks at the start of the programme, which will see Environmental Health Officers (EHOs) playing a key role in discussing critical issues related to leptospirosis and dengue.

On Wednesday, April 8 and Thursday, April 9, the Ministry, working together with the Pan American Health Organisation will host a seminar on “Dangerous Infectious Diseases” for critical stakeholders in health care and emergency management.  It will take place at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre, Two Mile Hill, from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.

Minister Inniss will deliver the feature address at the opening ceremony, while Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Joy St. John will make remarks.

jgill@barbados.gov.bb

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