Every April 7th is #WorldHealthDay. In 2022, the theme of the Global Health Day is ‘Our Planet, Our Health‘. This year, WHO is focusing on global attention on urgent actions needed to keep humans and the planet healthy and foster a movement to create societies focused on well-being.
World Health Day is observed every year on April 7 to raise awareness about the importance of health and to mark the widespread contributions of our medical faculty. According to World Health Organization (WHO), health is fundamental to human happiness and well-being. It contributes to economic advancement because healthy people live longer and are more productive.
In the midst of a pandemic, a polluted planet, increasing diseases like cancer, asthma, heart disease, on World Health Day 2022, WHO will focus global attention on urgent actions needed to keep humans and the planet healthy and foster a movement to create societies focused on well-being.
WHO estimates that more than 13 million deaths around the world each year are due to avoidable environmental causes. This includes the climate crises which is the single biggest health threat facing humanity. The climate crises is a health crises.
In view of the global health crises, it behoves on us to pay particular attention to our health and deliberately engage in activities that help to preserve the environment and foster a global well-being.
When we focus too much on ourselves, we worsen our predicaments , and may sink deeper into despair. As humans, we all struggle with self-centeredness and selfishness. We tend to be selfish because all we can see is our own pains and pleasures, and most often we do not notice the pains of others.
We further sink into discontentment when our hearts are only concerned with our own pleasures. Whereas, we enjoy happiness and fulfillment when we notice and meet the needs of those who are desperate for help. One major source of happiness is taking our eyes off ourselves and our own desires, and focus on meeting the needs of others – the oppressed, the hungry, the homeless, the afflicted, the sick and helpless.
The submission of Danny Thomas is instructive: “Success has nothing to do with what you gain in life or accomplished for yourself. It’s what you do for others.” Still thinking about how to help? Look deeply within yourself and you will be amazed that there’s something you truly care about and would be your greatest pleasure if you get involved.
Some YWAW Volunteers at Old People’s Home in Lagos
40% of our happiness is determined by intentional activities, behaviour and practices that we voluntarily pursue, such as helping others, adopting positive attitude, exercise or striving for goals. Helping others is the secret sauce to happiness.
There are a number of voluntary causes that you can engage in that would put you on a platform to be of help to others in your little way. You can get involved in helping sex trafficking victims, the elderly who have no one to care for them, little kids who need help learning to read – there’s always something you can do.
You can also volunteer for a non-governmental organization who carry out humanitarian, social services or advocacy and join to serve the needs of others, The Yes, We Are Winning Foundation (YWAW) is an example of a charity and human capital development NGO that focuses on helping people especially in the area of education and empowerment.
We provide a platform for those who have passion to impact the world positively and be life savers while they also inculcate a winning lifestyles. You can volunteer with us today through this link. https://yeswearewinning.com/become-a-volunteer/
When you have made a choice of a service to render, then, commit to serve once or twice, and see how you feel. If you liked it, get involved in their their causes and give your service to humanity. “Non Sibi Sed Alis”; “Not for us but for others” Your becoming a well watered garden often comes because you feel good helping another human being. God has a way of rewarding your selfless sacrifice with healing and satisfaction that will surpass your expectations.
The Yes, We Are Winning Foundation joins the rest of the world to celebrate the effort of the women in the Mother’s Association of the Social mobilisation unit under the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board.
Cross section of women who are beneficiaries of the SUBEB empowerment program with partnership from the YWAW foundation
The International Women’s Day which is commemorated every March 8 is a global day to celebrate the achievements of women. The Mother’s Association held IWD in partnership with the Yes We Are Winning Foundation on the 17th of March with the theme “Break The Bias”.
From Left to Right: Amarachi Eke, Project Director YWAW, Mrs. Odubayo Comfort, SUBEB Social Mobilisation Coordinator, Sola YWAW Volunteer at the Women Symposium held in Lagos
To break the bias in the society that culturally leaves women behind, there is need for intentional growth. As women, we need to grow ourselves to the level where we can not be denied our rights when there are opportunities even in the men’s space.
I have seen a lot of young ladies breaking forth in their career. I believe if we have more intentional women who refuse to act as a victim despite the challenges, we can break the bias.
According to Dr. Mrs Adesola Falaiye, the MD/CEO of Afkar Prints & Publishing Company during of an interview on IWD she said, Nobody will give it to you, you have to take it!”
It means we need to keep striving until we get to the top putting out other voices that may want to stop us.
The need to be diligent in your work and dealings. This will leave the people with no option than to give you your rightful place.
There’s need for women to acquire relevant skills and qualifications to compete favorably with the male counterpart as so break the bias of gender inequality.
Every year on March 20, the United Nations celebrates the International Day of Happiness. With our planet experiencing unprecedented challenges, it is more important than ever to be happy.
The purpose of the International Day of Happiness is to raise awareness on the value of happiness in one’s life and the overall impact it can have on a person’s well-being.
Indeed, the alarming global crises, pandemic, political tensions, economic hardships and are enough to keep us in a state of melancholy. The economy and people’s livelihoods have been severely harmed. This means that in many regions, happiness is at an all-time low. However, it will do us a huge benefit if we cultivate and commit to being happy.
“Build Back Happier” is the theme for 2022, and is aimed at achieving global recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Families and friends have been unable to be together for long periods of time due to lockdowns and pandemic-related norms.
Where do happiness come from?
Happiness can come from the good things of life, as well as pleasurable activities such as philanthropic works. However, the happiness that pleasurable activities gives is ephemeral, whereas the pleasure that philanthropic activities gives lasts longer because it gives intrinsic motivation, which is a motivation that its driven by internal rewards, and which gives a sense of satisfaction or accomplishment.
Facts about happiness
50% of your happiness is genetically determined
40% of your happiness is determined by intentional activities, behaviour and practices that we voluntarily pursue, such as helping others, adopting positive attitude, exercise or striving for goals.
10% of your happiness is determined by life’s circumstances, for example material wealth, marriage, employment status, income and possessions to mention a few
Benefits of being happy
Happy people are less likely to fall sick or suffer debilitating diseases.
Happy people have better social relationships
Happy people live longer
Happy people are better organisational citizens
How to cultivate happiness
Be intentional; treat happiness like your routine exercise
Commit to happiness
Work on being happy
In this life, there will always be trouble. When you worry you make your trouble double.
The Yes, We Are Winning Foundation joins the rest of the world to celebrate our women. The theme for the International Women’s Day is “Breaking The Bias”.
International Women’s Day (March 8) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women’s equality.
IWD has occurred for well over a century, with the first IWD gathering in 1911 supported by over a million people. Today, IWD belongs to all groups collectively everywhere. IWD is not country, group or organization specific.
Dr. Mrs. Adesola Falaiye, MD/CEO AFKAR Prints & Publishing with Amarachi Eke, YWAW Project Director
“Nobody will give it to you, you have to take it!” These were the words of Dr. Mrs Adesola Falaiye, the MD/CEO of Afkar Prints & Publishing Company, when The YWAW team met with at her Lagos office. She shared with us about her exciting journey to the top of her career, and the challenges she faced as a woman operating in a male dominated space.
Imagine a gender equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes and discrimination. A world that’s diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated. Together we can forge women’s equality. Collectively we can all #BreakTheBias.
The Theme for the Year 2022 World Leprosy Day (WLD) is “United for Dignity”. The World Leprosy day is celebrated on the last Sunday of January. The 2022 event which is marked on January 30 is a campaign which calls for unity in honouring the dignity of people who have experienced leprosy. On this international event, the Yes, We Are Winning Foundation joins the United Nations to raise awareness of the disease, and call for an end to leprosy-related stigma and discrimination.
What is Leprosy
Leprosy, also called Hansen disease, is a chronic bacterial infection primarily affecting the skin and peripheral nerves usually caused by MYCOBACTERIUM LEPRAE. The form the disease takes depends on the person’s immune response to the infection.
Leprosy has been in existence from the time of old. Many who are infected have lost various part of their body due to this ailment. Some with this disease live in silent because they do not want to be stigmatized. The stigmatization of people living with this disease, leave them with no hope of a better life.
Despite new effective treatment and education efforts, leprosy stigma continues to be problematic in developing countries where the disease is common.
Though we need to be careful when we are around this people there is still a need to make them live happy and well. The theme for this year “United for Dignity” indicates the need to put an end to stigmatization.
Can Leprosy Be Cured?
The spread is thought to occur through a cough or contact with fluid from the nose of a person infected by leprosy. Genetic factors and immune function play a role in how easily a person catches the disease. Leprosy does not spread by casual contact with the infected person, like shaking hands, hugging or sitting next to them. Pregnant mothers with leprosy can’t pass it to their unborn babies. Leprosy can be cured.
In the last 2 decades, 16 million people with leprosy have been cured. The World Health Organization provides free treatment for all the people with leprosy. Treatment depends on the type of leprosy that one has. Leprosy can affect people of all races anywhere in the world. However, it is most common in warm, wet areas of the tropics and subtropics. In 2017, over 200,000 new cases of leprosy were registered world-wide. Worldwide prevalence is reported to be around 5.5 million, with 80% of these cases found in 5 countries: India, Indonesia, Myanmar, Brazil, and Nigeria.
“Don’t Forget Leprosy” Campaign
Yohei Sasakawa, WHO Goodwill Ambassador for Leprosy Elimination launched a campaign in August 2021 called “don’t forget leprosy”. Since the coronavirus pandemic, it has been difficult for those livng with this ailment. Lockdown implemented by Governments made it harder for them to access treatment and care living the people with little or no hope to survive.
Data published by WHO in September,2021 for the calendar year 2020 showed a drop in new cases of 37% on the previous year. This evidence that in many countries measures against leprosy, including case detection and treatment have been disrupted by the pandemic. Delays in detecting and treating cases can lead to irreversible physical impairment so it is essential that these services continue. Yohei Sasakawa seeks support of government and health professionals.
Yohei Sasakawa, WHO Goodwill Ambassador for Leprosy Elimination launched a campaign in August 2021 called “don’t forget leprosy”. Since the coronavirus pandemic, it has been difficult for those livng with this ailment. Lockdown implemented by Governments made it harder for them to access treatment and care living the people with little or no hope to survive.