The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) are collaborating with the World Health Organization (WHO) to ensure equitable access to health for all. This partnership aligns with the theme of this year’s World Health Day, ‘My Health, my right,’ which emphasizes health as a fundamental human right and underscores its critical importance.
In response to the health challenges faced by Ukrainian refugees fleeing the war in their country, WHO recruited 13 UN Volunteers for a two-year period in Poland. These volunteers played a crucial role in providing health services to refugees, with a focus on addressing gender-based violence and mental health issues.
Aleksandra Kusek, a UN Volunteer Women and Girls Health Emergency Officer, spearheaded efforts to counter gender-based violence in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and other stakeholders in Poland. As a midwife, she worked closely with pregnant women in delivery rooms and led a team of nursing staff, leveraging her expertise to meet the needs of the medical community and establish common goals.
Meanwhile, Katarzyna Dolowy, an Online Volunteer with WHO, utilized her background in international affairs and digital media to address mental health issues among Ukrainian refugees. Through interviews and content creation, she raised awareness about mental health and worked to reduce the stigma associated with seeking help.
The impact of these volunteer efforts extends beyond statistics, as they provide a human perspective to WHO’s global initiatives. By addressing maternal and mental health needs, these volunteers contribute to the realization of health as a basic human right.
As the theme of this year’s World Health Day emphasizes, ensuring health rights for all is a pressing issue, particularly for those who are marginalized or overlooked. The dedication of UN Volunteers like Aleksandra and Katarzyna underscores the urgency of prioritizing health equity and access for everyone.
