December 12 is a day of vindication, people all over the world join to rising demand for access to universal health coverage and call on health systems to invest in adequate, effective, and safe treatment options for all, and to leave no one behind. The existence of International Days is to raise public awareness on issues of concern, and to mobilize political will and resources to address problems, the specific problems that need urgent attention.
The slogan “LEAVE NO ONE BEHIND” regarding health issues related to Lymphedema, Lipedema, and ChronicVenous Insufficiency means that Health Systems must invest in proper, effective, and safe health care for all, whatever their cause or setting. The United Nations General Assembly endorsed a resolution On 12 December 2012, urging countries to aim towards the goal that everyone, everywhere, should have access to quality health care, and proclaimed 12 December as Universal Health Coverage Day (UHC Day) by resolution 72/138. Millions of people all over the world with Lymphedema, Lipedema, and Chronic Venous Insufficiency are still waiting for proper and effective health care, and many of them are already in severe stages.
Read information about the treatment for lymphoedema HERE, about Lipedema treatment HERE, and treatment for Chronic Venous Insufficiency HERE.
Concerning the Elephantiasis Stage, also known as late Stage III Lymphedema, it can be due to Pediatric and Primary Lymphedema, or Secondary Lymphedema related to surgical interventions, chronic venous insufficiency, trauma, filariasis, podoconiosis, etc. The global situation regarding elephantiasis (Lymphedema Stage III) is far from new—and the reality of millions of people is that of suffering injustice and neglect regarding their human rights to access adequate, safe, and effective treatment. Some lymphoedema and health organizations are trying to redress the magnitude of the problem by developing low-cost treatment options that do not include adequate compression therapy and compression garments, even though these are essential for the treatment of lymphatic dysfunction (Organic Lymphatic Vessel Disease). Read about the Human Right to access adequate health care (Article 25) HERE.
Health systems must be equitable, resilient, and capable of meeting people's needs, and everyone, everywhere, deserves access to quality health services. Universal Health Coverage Day is observed annually on December 12 with the aim of ensuring people around the world can get the quality health services they need.
