On Friday, April 7, countries globally will observe World Health Day.

World Health Day, held every year on April 7, marks the anniversary of the founding of the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1948 and each year focuses on a specific public health concern. In addition to focusing on the journey to achieving Health For All, which is this year's theme, WHO will observe its 75th anniversary under the theme 75 years of improving public health.

The Minister of Health, the Hon. Kim Wilson, JP, MP, shared a World Health Day message for the community.

On this World Health Day, Bermuda joins WHO on a journey to achieve Health For All. This is an important issue, and the Bermuda Government remains committed to putting Bermuda on the road to equal access to healthcare for all.

Led by the World Health Organization (WHO), physical, mental, and emotional well-being is promoted and celebrated worldwide on April 7. It is a reminder of how vital it is to prioritise our well-being and attach a high value to self-care.

As part of our Bermuda Health Strategy, the Ministry of Health strives to ensure everyone can access quality health care. One of the strategic principles in the Strategy is promoting healthy living and preventative care. We want to empower the community to lead healthy lifestyles by enabling people to increase control over, and improve, their physical and mental health.

The devastating effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic stretched our healthcare system, and it was a reminder of how imperative it is to advocate for equitable access to healthcare. It highlighted some of our healthcare system's strengths and weaknesses. It was an opportunity to pause and rethink our goals and priorities.

The Ministry of Health’s vision of healthy people in healthy communities focuses on finding solutions to the health challenges the Island is facing. This includes mental health because, as the WHO stated, ‘no health without mental health’. As we strive to ensure better health outcomes for our community, the Ministry of Health will support mental health services just as much as we support physical health services.

As we celebrate World Health Day on Good Friday, I want to remind everyone to focus on improving our overall well-being. Exercise, choose healthy food, drink plenty of water, enjoy being outside in the sunshine and fresh air, and have a routine that promotes good mental health.