TEHRAN – The national health literacy movement will be implemented in 10 provinces of the country in line with the theme of the second day of the national health week, an official with the health ministry’s Persian medicine office has said.

It’s a specialized program that aims to promote health and a healthy lifestyle and will involve multilateral interaction between the ministries of health and education, IRNA quoted Hossein Rezaei-zadeh as saying.

The initiative will start at schools targeting teachers, students (from first to sixth grade), and their parents.

Using graphic techniques and educational principles tailored for children, the program seeks to convey simple, practical messages about healthy lifestyles in the form of stories.

Health literacy and skills for maintaining a healthy lifestyle are among the most important elements for fostering health and wellbeing within families and society.

In the first phase of the program, a total of 300,000 students will learn about health, healthy nutrition, and lifestyle to improve family health.

National health week

The national health week is held from April 20 to 26 under the theme of ‘Family health and popularization of family health’.

The health ministry has chosen different topics for the days of the week, IRNA reported.

Saturday, April 20, Family health, universal right and responsibility

Sunday, April 21, Family health from education to higher education 

Monday, April 22, Family health and the Earth health

Tuesday, April 23, Family health and psychosocial health

Wednesday, April 24, Family health and health culture

Thursday, April 25, Family health and youth population

Friday, April 26, Healthy nutrition and universal workout

This year's theme highlights supporting and highlighting the need to access high-quality and affordable healthcare services for everyone in the country; ensuring everyone, particularly vulnerable or marginalized groups, receives equity services, and promoting people’s role in providing and maintaining universal health.

It also underscores the need to strengthen and enhance the resilience of the healthcare system to be able to effectively confront health potential threats with unknown features.

Health is a universal right

Health is a universal right and responsibility that is not limited to any specific age group, culture, or nationality, Health Minister Bahram Einollahi has said.

All members of society from their childhood to old age have the right to access high-quality health services without financial worries.

Access to clean drinking water, soil, air, and food is a fundamental right and responsibility, the Health Ministry’s website quoted Einollahi as saying.

He made the remarks on the occasion of World Health Day 2024, calling upon decision-makers to create conducive environments for individuals to actively participate in creating and maintaining health, from home to the community and the environment.

He went on to say that the family health program and referral system in Iran is one of the most advanced health programs in the world. It aims to enhance everyone’s access to health services, promote well-being, and achieve significant welfare objectives.  

Launched last year, the program seeks to foster a healthy, vibrant society through national and collective efforts at all levels of society.

The national health week will set health priorities for the next year in alignment with the national plans and priorities.

Family health program and referral system

Family Health Program and the Electronic Referral System prioritize the involvement of individuals, aiming to enhance community health literacy and empower individuals in overseeing the healthcare system. 

People are encouraged to actively engage in assessing community needs, promoting health education, supporting local health priorities, and assisting in healthcare provision. 

By fostering active partnerships, creating effective support networks, and prompting sustainable interventions, individuals play a vital role in maintaining and promoting community health.

The alignment between the Family Health Program and the social determinants of health hinges on knowledge, comprehension, and action. 

This progeria underscores and tackles the influence of social determinants on family health through collaborative endeavors, supportive policies, and a holistic approach aimed at fostering equity, health interventions, and community resources to bolster health and well-being.

MT/MG