World Health Day Statement by Education Cannot Wait Director Yasmine Sherif
On April 7th, the world comes together to celebrate World Health Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness about global health issues and promoting healthier living for all. This year, the theme is “Building a fairer, healthier world” and it couldn’t be more relevant in the current global context.
As we continue to navigate through the COVID-19 pandemic, it has become increasingly clear that health is not just a personal matter, but a global one. The pandemic has exposed the deep inequalities and disparities in access to healthcare and education, especially for the most vulnerable and marginalized communities. This is why the World Health Day theme resonates strongly with the work of Education Cannot Wait (ECW), a global fund dedicated to ensuring education for children and youth affected by crises.
In her statement on World Health Day, ECW Director Yasmine Sherif highlights the critical link between health and education, stating that “health and education are two sides of the same coin – both are essential for human development and well-being.” She emphasizes that without good health, children cannot learn and without education, they cannot lead healthy lives.
The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted education for over 1.6 billion children and youth worldwide, with the most vulnerable and marginalized being the hardest hit. This has not only affected their access to education but also their access to vital health services, including vaccinations, nutrition, and mental health support. As Director Sherif points out, “the pandemic has exacerbated existing inequalities and has put the most marginalized children at an even greater disadvantage.”
However, amidst these challenges, ECW has continued to work tirelessly to ensure that education remains a priority, even in times of crisis. Through its rapid response mechanism, ECW has provided emergency education funding to over 30 countries, reaching over 10 million children and youth. This has enabled children to continue learning, even in the most difficult circumstances, and has also helped to provide them with essential health services.
Director Sherif also highlights the importance of investing in education as a means to build a fairer and healthier world. She states that “education is a powerful tool for promoting health and well-being, reducing poverty and inequalities, and fostering peace and stability.” By investing in education, we are not only investing in the future of children and youth but also in the future of our societies.
ECW’s work in crisis-affected countries has shown that investing in education can have a multiplier effect on health outcomes. By providing children with education, we are also equipping them with the knowledge and skills to make informed decisions about their health and well-being. This, in turn, can lead to healthier and more resilient communities.
In her statement, Director Sherif also calls for a renewed commitment to ensuring that education and health are not seen as separate issues but as interconnected and complementary. She urges governments, donors, and the international community to prioritize education and health in their response to crises, and to work together to build a fairer and healthier world for all.
As we celebrate World Health Day, let us remember that health and education are fundamental human rights that must be protected and promoted for all children and youth, regardless of their circumstances. Let us also recognize the critical role that education plays in achieving good health and well-being for all.
In conclusion, Director Sherif’s statement on World Health Day serves as a powerful reminder of the urgent need to invest in education for children and youth affected by crises. As we continue to navigate through the COVID-19 pandemic and other global challenges, let us remember that education is not a luxury, but a necessity for building a fairer and healthier world for all. Let us join hands and work together to ensure that no child is left behind, and that every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive.
