FIC Report (Nasarawa State) – As the world marks World Health Day on today, Tuesday, April 7, 2026, the World Health Organization has called on government across the globe to place science at the centre of Health Policies, warning that growing global threats continue to strain healthcare systems.
The annual observance, which commemorates the founding of WHO on April7, 1948, serve as a global reference point for assessing public health priorities and mobilizing action across countries and institutions.
This year’s Theme,” Together for Health, Stand with Science”, highlights the critical role of scientific collaboration in safeguarding human, animals, and environmental health, marking the beginning of a year-long global campaign.
In a message to mark the day, Director General of WHO Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus revealed that science remain one of the most powerful tools for improving health outcome globally,” Vaccines, penicillin, MRI machines, and the mapping of the human genome have saved lives and transformed health for billons of people,” he stated.
Despite notable progress in global health indicators, WHO warned that threats persist according to the organization, global mortality has declined by over 40 percent since 2000, while death of children under five have reduced by 50 percent. However, inequalities in access to care and overstretched health system continue to endanger millions.
WHO chief scientist, Sylve Briand, emphasized the risk of ignoring scientific evidence in health care decisions. Without rigorous scientific guidance, we risk relying our treatment that fall or even harmpegsle; she said:
The organization identified climate change, environmental degradation geological tension and emerging diseases as key factor driving new and existing health challenges globally. In Nigeria, senior medical professionals say the global concerns reflect local realities. They noted that while policies are well-articulated implementation remain weak undermining health delivery.
The expert called for a shift of policy rhetoric to practical actions stressing the need for sustainable financing, improved welfare for health workers and strengthened primary health care systems.
They warned that without urgent reforms, Nigeria may struggle to achieve the Universal health coverage and effectively respond to both existing and emerging health threat.
In Nasarawa state, the realities behind global health concerns are evident in the daily struggle of residents to access basic healthcare services. In several rural communities across Lafia, Akwanga, and Doma patiences travel long distances to reach primary health centres many of. Which face shortages of medical personnels essential drugs and underfunding continue to weaken service delivery pushing some resident towards self-education or traditional remedies.
As World Health Day is observed worldwide stakeholders insist that beyond awareness deliberate science. Based actions is essential to build resilient health system and protect future generation.
ARI, LIMAN AMINU.
HEAD OF CENTRE,
FIC, LAFIA.
