World Health Day Statement by Education Cannot Wait Director Yasmine Sherif
In the midst of a global health crisis, it is more important than ever to recognize the crucial role that education plays in ensuring the well-being of the world’s most vulnerable children. As we celebrate World Health Day today, it is imperative that we acknowledge the interconnectedness of education and health, and the vital need for investments in both.
This year’s theme for World Health Day is “Building a fairer, healthier world for everyone.” And nowhere is this more relevant than in the context of education for those affected by crises and conflict. As the Director of Education Cannot Wait (ECW), I am honored to join the global community in amplifying this message and calling for urgent action to address the inequities that leave millions of children behind.
At ECW, we believe that education is not a luxury, but a fundamental human right. Yet, for over 75 million children affected by emergencies and protracted crises, this right is constantly under threat. These children are often living in fragile and conflict-affected countries, where access to quality education and essential health services is limited or non-existent.
The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated these challenges, with school closures and disruptions to health services leaving children even more vulnerable. This is why, as we navigate through these uncertain times, it is crucial that we prioritize both education and health in our response and recovery efforts.
Investing in education in emergency situations not only ensures access to vital health services for children, but it also has a long-term impact on their overall health and well-being. Education provides children with knowledge and skills to make informed decisions about their health, and empowers them to lead healthy and productive lives. It is a powerful tool in breaking the cycle of poverty and disease, and in promoting human rights and gender equality.
Education is also key in promoting mental health and psychosocial support for children affected by crises. It provides a sense of normalcy and stability, and helps children cope with trauma and build resilience. In times of crisis, the classroom becomes a safe space where children can heal and grow, and where their physical and mental health needs are addressed.
As we look towards the future and the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, we must keep in mind the lessons learned from past crises. We cannot afford to neglect education in our response and recovery efforts. We must ensure that all children, especially those in the most vulnerable situations, have access to quality education and essential health services.
This is why, at ECW, we are working towards our goal of providing inclusive and quality education to 9 million children affected by crises by 2021. Through our innovative multi-year and multi-stakeholder approach, we are bringing together governments, humanitarian actors, and private sector partners to invest in education in emergency situations. As of today, we have reached over 4 million children in 35 crisis-affected countries.
But we cannot do this alone. On this World Health Day, I call upon all stakeholders, especially donors, to join us in this urgent and life-saving mission. By investing in education and health for children affected by crises, we are building a fairer and healthier world for everyone. Let us seize this opportunity to make a positive change in the lives of millions of children around the world.
In conclusion, I would like to reiterate the words of Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the Director-General of the World Health Organization, who said, “Health is not a reward for the wealthy, it is a right for everyone.” Similarly, education is not a privilege, it is a right for all children, especially in times of crisis. Let us come together to build a world where every child has access to quality education and health services, regardless of their circumstances. This is a challenge, but also a great opportunity for us to show solidarity and create meaningful change. Let us not miss this chance.
On this World Health Day, let us remember the words of Nelson Mandela, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” Let us use this weapon to build a fairer, healthier world for all. Thank you.
