Vice President Dr Mohamed Waheed has said substitution of traditional beliefs with modern thinking based on proven results based on empirical studies was one of the most important dimensions of health system reform.
In his address at the inaugural session of the National Workshop on Addressing Social Determinants of Health, this morning, the Vice President said the health of individuals, their families and communities were related and that these areas of public health could not be separated.
The objective of the three day workshop organised by the Ministry of Health and Family was to examine the role of different sectors in addressing social determinants of health.
Continuing his address on societal and cultural determinants of health, the Vice President said societal beliefs about the causes of diseases affect the way people treat them and cultural factors affect the individuals’ perception of disease, the causes of it, and its prevention and cure.
Therefore, to promote public health, the Vice President stressed the need to change the collective beliefs about health in society through public awareness programmes.
Vice President Dr Waheed also highlighted the importance of collaboration and coordination between all sectors for the success of health sector. Noting the current lack of co-ordination between different government sectors, he expressed his hope that the Workshop would result in better coordination and support between all sectors.
