Africa-Press – Mauritius. The Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr Kailesh Kumar Singh Jagutpal, launched, today at the Nouvelle France Multi-Purpose Complex, a series of activities to commemorate World Health Day 2022.
The theme chosen by the World Health Organization (WHO) this year is “Our Planet, Our Health”. Activities include: blood testing for glucose; blood pressure testing; consultation and counselling sessions; and Body Mass Index testing. On this occasion, video clips on a mass media/social media campaign against drugs were also launched and these will be broadcast on television.
The Minister of Financial Services and Good Governance, Mr Mahen Kumar Seeruttun, the Government Chief Whip, Mrs Naveena Ramyad, the Parliamentary Private Secretary, Mrs Teenah Jutton, and other personalities were also present at the event.
In his address, Minister Jagutpal highlighted that the celebration of World Health Day is an initiative of the WHO, which lays emphasis on the wellness of every human being.
He underscored that, in Mauritius, public heath care is offered to the population free of charge adding that the well-being of the citizens remains among the priorities of Government.
Dr Jagutpal observed that, according to the WHO, one’s good health depends on the healthiness of the planet and as such, the preservation of the latter is a priority, especially with the climatic change issue.
Speaking about the drug scourge in Mauritius, he underlined that among the 980 drug admissions registered in 2020, 538 were caused by synthetic drugs.
He also deplored that, nowadays, drugs are being consumed by younger persons and there is thus a need to further sensitise the youth against this scourge.
The Ministry of Health and Wellness, stated Dr Jagutpal, is also currently working on a Drug Offenders Administrative Panel so as to better support those affected by drugs.
He further spoke about the ongoing sensitisation campaigns being organised by the National Drug Secretariat and recalled that, in 2021, support was provided to some 6,500 drug users.
In addition, the Health Minister dwelt on the importance of being inoculated against COVID-19, and reiterated his appeal to those who have not yet received a booster dose.
He also indicated that his Ministry is currently working on a programme to offer a second booster dose to those who are more vulnerable, following the detection of new COVID-19 variants worldwide.
The administration of the second booster dose will soon be officially announced once the modalities are finalised, he added. For his part, Minister Seeruttun underscored that, this year, the WHO laid emphasis on the preservation of environment in a bid to ensure the good health of human beings.
He seized this opportunity to commend the medical staff for their dedication, especially since the past two years, and added that Government will continue to undertake necessary actions so as to ensure the wellness and good health of the population.
He also urged the population to listen to the advice from doctors and medical staff, who are well versed in their fields, and to practice a regular physical activity so as to lead a healthy lifestyle.
As for Mrs Ramyad, she dwelt on the importance of adapting to the new normal way of life caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and of being disciplined and observing the sanitary protocols in place.
She also stressed on the major role that sciences play in a person’s life for him/her to stay healthy. Mrs Jutton, for her part, commended all health care officers for their hard work and daily dedication, especially since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
She also reminded the importance of adopting good eating habits, and of taking care of the planet so as to remain in good health and effectively combat climatic change.
For More News And Analysis About Mauritius Follow Africa-Press
