Ladies and Gentlemen,
April 7 has been established by the World Health Organization as World Health Day and is celebrated every year with a different theme. The choice of the date is not accidental, as it marks the anniversary of the founding of the World Health Organization, of which the Republic of Cyprus is a member, in 1948. The theme of this year's World Health Day is "Our Planet, Our Health". The World Health Organization, in a proactive mood, has chosen the topic to remind us that beyond the pandemic, there are other potential threats on a global scale that need to be addressed through collective action.
The WHO estimates that every year around the world, more than 13 million deaths are caused by environmental causes and could be prevented. Environmental pollution through the air we breathe and the water and food we consume affects our health, usually with medium and long-term adverse consequences.
The Republic of Cyprus through coordinated actions, both within the European Union and in international fora in which it participates, is taking numerous and multidimensional actions to create prosperous healthy societies without violating ecological limits.
According to the "One Health" approach, there is a connection and dependence between human health and the environment.
According to the "One Health" approach, there is a connection and dependence between human health and the environment. The need to focus on creating healthy societies on a healthy planet is becoming increasingly apparent. The climate crisis is perhaps the greatest health threat facing humanity, bringing multiple impacts with adverse effects on the health of many of our fellow human beings.
I address each and every citizen individually and ask you to promote a healthy lifestyle while preserving our environment. Individual choices and social attitudes affect our environment and our health.
Let us all re-imagine a world where clean air, healthy water and safe food are available to all. I am sure that this is the planet we want to bequeath to future generations. It is the necessary stepping stone for Public Health.
(AF)
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