(United Nations, 2023)

The Meaning of Health

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines health as: "a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity" (World Health Organization, 2023). Health is all-encompassing; ranging from physical, social, and mental well-being. Health is the totality of all that informs our existence.

Health is a basic human right.

Everyone should have access to and receive health services when and where they need them.

The SDG call to action is targeted to end poverty , protect the planet and improve the lives and prospects of everyone everywhere irrespective of geographical location. (United Nations, 2023).

The SDG is designed to bridge health inequalities with a 15-year time line (2015-2030) and plan to achieve the goals. Progress is ongoing in many places, however urgent action is required particularly in rural and marginalized communities (United Nations, 2023). Developing nations do need urgent interventions hence our core.

Bridging-Health Int’l (BHI) is driven by the SDG agenda. We are dedicated to improve health and well-being of people in marginalized communities near and far through targeted programs in line with the agenda. We promote diversity, equity and inclusion.

Our SDG Focused Goals/ Programs

• Goal 2: Zero Hunger: Provide food supplies in the communities.
• Goal 3: Health and Wellbeing: Provide health outreach and health campaign/ awareness.
• Goal 4: Quality Education: Virtual peer-to-peer tutoring and mentoring program in U.S.A and Nigeria.
• Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation: Provision of water in rural communities to mitigate water-borne diseases and outbreaks.
• Goal 7: Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities: A voice for the marginalized and disadvantaged -(widows, orphans, disabled, aged, and victims of domestic violence in communities.
• Goal 17: Goal 17: Partnership for the Goals: Advocate for changed policies with legislatures to advance programs that will promote health and well-being of the population.

The Universal Declaration Of Human Rights

Highlights

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) was adopted December 10, 1948, by the General Assembly of the United Nations (UN). The first agreed comprehensive statement by countries with a list of Inalienable Human Rights. (United Nations, n.d). The UDHR's declaration echoed the universality of human rights to be enjoyed by all people irrespective of where they are and or live. It articulates fundamental rights and freedoms for all. (United Nations, n.d).

Excerpts of the Universal Human Rights

Article 25 States:

Everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of himself and of his family, including food, clothing, housing, medical care, social services, and the right to security in the event of unemployment, sickness, disability, widowhood, old age, or other lack of livelihood in the circumstances beyond his control. (United Nations, n.d).

Article 26 States:

Education shall be directed to the full development of the human personality and to the strengthening of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. It shall promote understanding, tolerance, and friendship among all nations, racial or religious groups, and shall further the activities of the United Nations for the maintenance of peace. (United Nations, n.d).

Parents have a prior right to choose the kind of education that shall be given to their children. (United Nations, n.d).

The World Health Organization (WHO) Constitution states : “The enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health is one of the fundamental rights of every human being.” (United Nations, n.d). It becomes imperative to adopt a human-rights-based approach to health towards attaining “Health for All” (United Nations, n.d) and in driving the SDG agenda.

BHI is geared at addressing the Social Determinants of Health (SDoH). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), SDoH" are conditions in the places where people live, learn, work, and play that affect a wide range of health and quality-of-life risks and outcomes" (CDC, 2022). The differences in SDoH represents inequities among groups experiencing disadvantage.

The Social Determinants of Health (SDoH) that affects health outcomes, includes and not limited to education, food insecurity, housing, unemployment and job insecurity, basic amenities, environment, early childhood development, social inclusion, non-discrimination and access to affordable health services. (World Health Organization, n.d).

According to the U.S Department of Health and Human Services ( n.d), SDoH impacts greatly on health outcomes and quality of life . Accross the world, marginalized communities (mostly rural communities in developing nations) lack basic neccessities which thus results to negative health outcome. For these and more, BHI are set on the goal and mission to contribute in reducing health burden due to inequalities in communities near and far as we contribute to drive the SDG agenda. We evidenced driven , and hope that our statistical contributions will be recorded come 2030.