The World Health Organization (WHO) defines health as a “state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not simply the absence of disease or infirmity”.

On the occasion of World Health Day , we start from this definition to celebrate the day and reflect on a broader and deeper vision of the meaning of health.

Health is first of all a human right . A right that is defined by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNHCR) and the WHO as an inclusive right . A right that is not limited only to assistance and access to health facilities, but includes all those factors that contribute to leading a healthy life, defined as the “basic determinants of health”. Among these factors we find access to drinking water and sanitation, safe food, adequate nutrition and housing, healthy environmental and working conditions, education and information on health and gender equality.

We take this opportunity to help raise awareness of this profound meaning and focus on the complexities that very often cause the right to health not to be fully guaranteed and exercised.

And it is precisely starting from this awareness that in our small way, through our projects, we seek to promote the right to universal health and to help improve access to quality care especially for young infants, their families and for all patients facing chronic respiratory disease – such as asthma and COPD – in contexts in which inequalities still have too great a burden on people’s health.

On this occasion, we also want to promote the campaign 2022 promoted by WHO: “ Our Planet – Our Health”. In light of the climate emergency and the increase in chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma and COPD and heart disease, we join the WHO to focus on urgent, necessary actions to keep people and the planet healthy. and foster a movement to create a welfare-centered society.

We celebrate this day confident that each of us can act and take the field to take care not only of our own health, but that of people near, far and our planet.