But this is not universal. Many people worldwide fight: unable to enter clinics or explain their symptoms: “[These patients] Do not align in the waiting lists. They hope, without knowing it, for internal understanding and courage to seek attention, ”said Dr. Merete Nordoft of Denmark, describing the patients with whom he has worked more closely.
Dr. Nordentoft was one of the six public health champions to receive a prize on Friday for “Outstanding and Innovative Work in Health Development”, in 78th World Health Assembly.
Each one was honored for their contributions to treat unattended communities and advance the objective of medical care for all.
“We celebrate the commitment to for life and the relentless work carried out by our own health professionals in all member states of all regions of the world with a common objective: health for all”, President Teodoro Herbosa, who presided over the awards ceremony.
Reach vulnerable communities
Dr. Nordentoft received the Sasakawa Health Award for her work on suicide prevention and with young patients under her first psychotic episode. She was the first to receive this award for mental health work and emphasized the importance of early interventions that prioritize community care.
“With proper support, early enough, recovery is not only possible, it is likely,” said Dr. Nordantoft about her patients.
Many of the other winners of the award have also spent their careers focused on medical care policies and treatments that in the foreground integrated care based on the community.
The principles for which Nelson Mandela fought urge us to seek a cooperation and association policy to share knowledge, science and resources – Dr. Majed Zemni
Professor Huali Wang of China and Kuwait's geriatric direction of health received the Sheikh Al-Sabah award that honors the research and policy carried out to support and advance in healthy aging.
Professor Wang was partly recognized for his work to integrate professional and family support networks for older adults with dementia. She dedicated her award to these families and all who live with the complex disease.
The Kuwaiti address was also honored by the way in which it promoted high quality integrated care for older adults than “[preserves] dignity, rights and [recognises] the invaluable experiences of the elderly. “
Dr. Jožica Maučec Zakotnik de Slovenia, who received the Prize of the United Arab Emirates Foundation, has also worked tirelessly to increase access to medical care and jointly developed a new type of free medical medical care center scheme.
“When growing in a less developed region in Slovenia, I set out a task that the most disadvantaged communities would be paid more attention,” he said.
'Force Quit' button
Some of the winners acknowledged that they were receiving these very coveted awards during a time when global health faces unprecedented challenges, specifically financial.
The proposed budget before the 78th World Health Assembly has been reduced by more than $ 1.1 billion due to the financing cuts currently projected.
“The world of global health has just been beaten with a 'Force Quit' button and have pressed us to stop some of the things we really want to do,” said Dr. Helen Rees de South Africa, receiver of the Dr. Lee Jong-Wook memorial prize for her work in HIV prevention and community-based health services.
Dr. Majed Zemni of Tunisia received the Nelson Mandela Award for his work focused on the patient in Forensic Medicine and in the promotion of the integration of medical ethics in politics. In his comments, he pointed out the legacy of the world civil rights icon to also fight for health policies.
“The principles for which Nelson Mandela fought urge us to follow a cooperation and association policy to share knowledge, science and resources,” said Dr. Zemni.
Continuing work
Dr. Rees also emphasized the importance of taking advantage of this moment to reimulate global public health and maintain its sustainability.
“What we need now is action. We need good policies based on science and evidence so that we can address the needs of all people, including the most vulnerable,” he said.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, general director of the World Health Organization (WHO), also urged all recipients to continue their work towards a healthier and fair world.
“At a time when the world faces many challenges, each of you is an inspiration and a reminder of the progress that can be made to improve everyone's health and well -being.”
