World Health Day Statement by Education Cannot Wait Director Yasmine Sherif
April 7 is observed worldwide as World Health Day, a day dedicated to highlighting the importance of global health and well-being. This year, the theme for World Health Day is “Building a Fairer, Healthier World”, emphasizing the need for equitable access to healthcare for all. In light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, this theme holds even greater significance as the world continues to grapple with the devastating impact of the virus on individuals and communities.
On this occasion, Yasmine Sherif, Director of Education Cannot Wait, has issued a statement highlighting the crucial link between health and education, especially for the most marginalized and vulnerable populations.
Sherif begins by acknowledging the extraordinary challenges that the world has faced over the past year. “The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted our lives in ways we could have never imagined. It has exposed and exacerbated existing inequalities and has had a devastating impact on the most vulnerable, particularly children and youth,” she says.
She goes on to highlight the crucial role of education in promoting health and well-being, stating, “Education is a fundamental human right and a powerful tool for promoting health and well-being. It equips individuals with the knowledge and skills to make informed decisions about their health, as well as the health of their communities.”
Sherif also stresses the need for equitable access to education, especially for girls and those living in crisis-affected areas. “We cannot talk about health without addressing the barriers that prevent millions of children and youth, especially girls, from accessing quality education. In crisis-affected areas, where health systems are already weak, education is a lifeline for children, providing not only knowledge but also essential health services such as vaccinations, hygiene education, and nutrition support,” she explains.
The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the fragility of our education systems, with millions of children and youth being forced out of school due to school closures. According to Sherif, this has had a significant impact on their health and well-being. “For many children, school is not only a place of learning but also a safe haven, where they receive essential services such as healthcare, nutrition, and protection. The closure of schools has left these children vulnerable and has disrupted vital health services for them,” she says.
In response to the pandemic, Education Cannot Wait has launched a COVID-19 Education in Emergency Response Fund, which aims to support the continuity of education for children and youth in crisis-affected areas. The fund provides resources for distance learning, psychosocial support, and the provision of essential health services.
Sherif emphasizes the need for collaboration and partnerships to ensure a fairer and healthier world. “No single organization or sector can address the health and education needs of the most vulnerable alone. We need to work together, as a global community, to ensure that every child and youth has access to quality education and essential health services,” she says.
As we mark World Health Day, let us remember that health and education are inextricably linked, and we cannot achieve one without the other. Education is not a luxury, but a necessity for promoting health and well-being, especially for those living in crisis-affected areas.
In conclusion, Sherif calls for renewed commitment and action towards achieving a fairer and healthier world. “We have a collective responsibility to ensure that the most marginalized and vulnerable children and youth have access to education and essential health services. Let us work together to build a better future for all,” she says.
On this World Health Day, let us all take a moment to reflect on the importance of health and education and the role we can play in promoting a fairer and healthier world. Let us join hands and work towards a future where every child and youth has the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential. As Yasmine Sherif reminds us, “Health and education are both essential for a better and brighter tomorrow.”
