The World Health Organisation defines health as "a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity."
Health is the right for every human being. Every year, the 7th of April is celebrated globally as the World Health Day, under the sponsorship of WHO. This year’s theme is “Universal Health Coverage: Everyone, Everywhere”.

The Aga Khan Health Board for India (AKHBI) has taken innumerable steps to address the health needs of our Jamat. These include decreasing the burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), promoting early childhood development (ECD), encouraging positive mental health and guiding the Jamat to take Medical Health Insurance. In the past three years, AKHBI has screened more than 32,000 individuals for NCDs such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular diseases as a part of the Community Case Worker (CCW) programme. Trained case workers have been following up with high risk Jamati members, motivating them to adopt healthy eating habits, exercise regularly and adopt healthy lifestyles.  Women in the reproductive age group of 15-49 years were checked for hemoglobin levels, and those found to be anemic were advised consumption of iron rich foods and given iron folic acid supplements.

At every stage of the life cycle (from “cradle to grave”) from pregnancy to infancy, childhood to adolescence, adulthood to golden years, the AKHBI has been assisting the Jamat in leading positive, healthy lifestyles. Through the Safe Motherhood programme, pregnant women are being educated to eat right, stay fit, have regular check-ups and take their immunization shots at the right time.  Mothers of children in the age group of 0-5 years are being educated on the importance of a balanced diet and good nutrition, as well as common childhood illnesses and their management.

Since habits are formed during the impressionable years, the AKHBI is also focusing on inducing healthy eating habits among children through programmes such as ‘Little Master Chef’. Shamsa Ruhel Mistry from Bangalore, the mother of seven-year-old son Raiyan, commented, “As a parent, I found the programme very useful. Raiyan was very excited about making his own Bhel and Kosambari Salad. He started asking about the nutritional value of every ingredient. It also motivated him to eat healthier food and be aware of what he eats. Since the programme, we regularly discuss portion sizes and nutritional values of each meal.”

Chairman of AKHBI, Dr. Sulaiman Ladhani, says, “Mental Health issues like depression and anxiety are a growing concern in our Jamat. Through the ‘Leadership Sensitisation’ programme, we are creating awareness on mental health within the Jamati leadership like Mukhisahebs, Kamadiasahebs and both Regional and Local Council members as they are usually the first responders in crisis situations. Through the ‘Ek Nayee Subah’ programme, we are focusing on de-stigmatization by facilitating the Jamat to have open discussions on emotional well-being and to seek professional help rather than suffering silently or trying out superficial strategies.”

The ‘Care for the Roots of Our Family’ programme is helping the Jamat to understand the changes that take place with advancing age, and the need and support that is required by the senior citizens of our Jamat.

“Health care is becoming expensive and often unaffordable for the economically weaker sections of our Jamat. Health insurance is, therefore, a non-negotiable prerequisite for all. Close to 70% of our Jamat has a health insurance cover and we have been conducting awareness sessions and facilitating the Jamat to take adequate and affordable health insurance policies. We also provide discounted rates for various screening tests for the underprivileged members of the Jamat, whenever possible,” continues Dr Ladhani.

The World Health Day is also a time for reflecting on ours and our family’s health. It calls for taking steps to ensure positive health—for ourselves and for our loved ones. Here is what we can do to be healthy:

• Eat Healthy, Stay Healthy: Eat a well-balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, wholegrain cereals and pulses. Avoid junk food and foods that are highly processed.
• Walk a mile, with a smile: Jogging, brisk walking or any moderate exercise will help us stay healthy. Aim to exercise 45 minutes a day for five days a week.
• Have regular screenings: Check serum lipids, blood sugar, blood pressure and weight at regular intervals. Early detection will make it possible to seek immediate medical help and take necessary action in time.
• Say no to stress, yes to health: Relaxation and managing stress through meditation, yoga or pursuing a hobby like music, sport and so on are adjuncts that help in maintaining good health.
• Have a medical insurance policy: Illness does not call and come; it is better to be safe rather than sorry. Having an adequate health insurance cover is definitely what we deserve.

“Health is an investment, not an expense—although it will become an expense if you don’t take time to invest in it,” concludes Chairman Ladhani.