Teacher's resource for World Health Day using stories, film. Includes classroom discussion guide.
Grades 9-12
Description
Students read the following hero stories on one or two of the themes: universal healthcare, compassion, community-based education.
Students then answer the questions in the discussion guide.
Outcome
After reading these stories and watching the video on Sasa, the students will have a deeper awareness of the importance of access to healthcare, and how it affects individuals and societies.
World Health Day is a global health awareness day commemorating the founding of the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1948. It has been observed since April 7, 1950. Each year WHO decides on an important global health issue to raise awareness and mobilize local communities to act.
In 2019, the WHO decided on the issue of Universal Health Coverage.
Universal health coverage means everyone can use the quality health services they need, while not being exposed to financial hardship.
The message is:
- Health care is a right and people should have equal access to quality healthcare
- Rather than treating a single disease, a primary healthcare approach that focuses on well-being is more efficient and effective.
- Universal health coverage is good not only for individuals, but societies
Healthcare is a Right
Jonas Salk felt his polio vaccine had to be shared with the world.
1. What event in Tommy Douglas's childhood led him to say, "I felt that no boy should have to depend either for his leg or his life upon the ability of his parents to raise enough money to bring a first-class surgeon to his bedside."
2. What would have happened to Tommy Douglas if a surgeon had not decided to operate on his leg so his students could watch. Do you agree with his statement?
Learn about a New Hero Every Day of the Year: Use the MY HERO Calendar in the Classroom
Community-based Healthcare
Dr. Paul Farmer has dedicated his life to treating people in the poorest nations in the world. He also persuaded the World Health Organization to take a "community-based approach" to healthcare.
1. Paul Farmer convinced the World Health Organization to take a "community-based approach" to healthcare. What does that mean?
2. Based on the health training center depicted in the film Sasa, does community-based approach seem like a good approach?
3. What does Sasa want to accomplish with his training center?
2019 World Health Day Call to Action
Quality health care is good for our health, good for economies and good for society. Let’s call on world leaders to make health for all a reality!
About 100 million people are still being pushed into extreme poverty (living on $1.90 or less a day) because they have to pay for health care.
The World Health Organization (WHO) is made up of 194 member states, whose health ministers come together every May in Geneva to decide on what health issues they will tackle.
At least half of the world’s population still do not have full coverage of essential health services.
All UN Member States have agreed to try to achieve universal health coverage (UHC) by 2030, as part of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
World Health Organization
World Health Day
Knowledge 4 Life | Official Website
Helping people around the world learn, share, and act on critical family planning and public health knowledge.
Organizer created on 3/23/2019 10:25:21 PM by MY HERO Staff
Last edited 3/29/2019 2:59:41 PM by Xenia Shin
International Medical Corps is working to relieve the suffering of those impacted by war, natural disaster and disease by delivering vital health care services that focus on training, helping devastated populations return to self-reliance.