‘Our health is our responsibility’ |10 February 2014

A new campaign urging the population to take more responsibility for our own health has been launched.

The new campaign under the theme ‘Health of our Nation: My health, my responsibility’ was launched on Friday by the Minister for Health Mitcy Larue in a ceremony held at the Sheikh Khalifa Diagnostic Centre at the Seychelles Hospital.

“‘Health of our Nation: My health my responsibility’ is not merely a campaign. It is a movement and a culture that places the highest value on good health for all,” Minister Larue said.

Among guests present at the ceremony were several government ministers, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Andre Pool, leader of the opposition in the National Assembly David Pierre, Ambassador for Women and Children Dr Erna Athanasius, secretary of state in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Barry Faure, members of the diplomatic corps, members of the National Assembly, principal secretaries, chief executive officers and other staff of the Ministry of Health.

Referring to the campaign, Minister Larue said it is a celebration of our achievements as a nation in building a health system that provides appropriate health care to all our citizens.

“It is recognition of the collective efforts of our citizens and many organisations in the pursuit of better health for all. It is also a sober reflection on the many challenges that confront us, the inadequate performance of many parts of our health services, and the growing burden of diseases, which result from the poor choices that too many Seychellois make,” Minister Larue said.

She said that the campaign forms part of the modernisation of the country’s health system, a campaign that touches everyone.
 
“The campaign is asking everyone to take their responsibility of making good decision in their life style that will make positive effects on their health,” said the minister.

“I call on all of you present here and on those you represent, and I call on all Seychellois, to join together for health. Placing the utmost value of our health and taking responsibility is the first of many steps on the journey towards the Health of Our Nation,” Minister Larue said.

“‘Health of our Nation: My health, my responsibility’ is a commitment to health and a call to action. I renew my commitment to ensuring that the public health services are more responsive, more effective and more efficient. We will endeavour to promote and practice accountability at all levels: from the health worker empowering her client to the leadership demonstrating that the nation's resources allocated to health are utilised wisely and effectively,” Minister Larue added.

According to the minister this theme also complements and harmonises with the social renaissance and values campaigns.

Minister Larue took the opportunity to pledge the support of the Ministry of Health for those initiatives, and called on all health professionals to engage actively in those important social and cultural endeavours.
 
During the ceremony the principal secretary for health Peggy Vidot gave a presentation on the modernisation of the health system and Dr Conrad Shamlaye gave a presentation on health challenges.