My health, my right

Abstract

Even in the twenty-first century, often dubbed the digital age or era of technology, health remains a fundamental aspect of human life. The World Health Organization (WHO) asserts that "enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health is one of the fundamental rights of every human being without distinction of race, religion, political belief, economic or social condition.”(1) Despite this, in 2021, over half of the global population, approximately 4.5 billion individuals, were not enjoying full coverage of essential health services.(2) As we celebrated the World Health Day on April 7, 2024 with the theme “My health, my right”, it is crucial to examine the significance of health as an inherent human entitlement, exploring its multifaceted dimensions and the implications of ensuring its fulfilment for individuals and communities.