European Public Health Week was launched in 2019. Ukraine joined it at the same time.
Public health is a term that goes beyond the medical field. It is about ensuring that people not only live long, but also remain active, bright-minded, and love life into old age. It is also about the mental and social well-being of each of us.
The point is that health is not something that is present or absent by coincidence. Personal and public health is a set of choices and actions. This is the formation (and reform) of the health care system, the cooperation of government, non-governmental organizations, business and civil society, and care: the state for its citizens, citizens for each other and the state, and each of us for our own health.
Every citizen has the right to health care in accordance with the Constitution. This right includes, in particular:
- medical care and assistance;
- safe environment;
- protection against the consequences of natural and anthropogenic disasters;
- sanitary and epidemiological well-being;
- safe and healthy working, learning, living and recreational conditions.
At the same time, we are all responsible for our health and can influence its preservation with simple actions and decisions. What everyone can do:
- adhere to a healthy lifestyle;
- get all vaccinations on schedule, including in adulthood;
- self-isolate in case of an infectious disease;
- use barrier contraception;
- go for preventive check-ups with a doctor every year, even if nothing hurts;
- get tested for HIV and hepatitis C every year to start treatment on time and not infect others;
- take first aid courses to help others if needed;
- share truthful health information with others and use only official sources of information.
During European Public Health Week, we will remind you of simple things that help prevent the most common diseases, promote health, and highlight topics such as taking care of your own mental well-being and supporting your family and friends.
Source: website of the Center for Public Health of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine