HEALTH Minister Horace Dalley said that for Jamaica to effectively withstand the many global public health problems and meet its development goals, it has to improve the capacity of its health services and become resilient in the face of challenges.

“With many diseases such as malaria, AIDS and avian influenza still posing serious challenges worldwide, this year’s focus will allow countries, such as ours, to re-examine our health situation and develop plans of action as we formulate strategies to safeguard the health of the nation,” Dalley said in a statement to mark World Healtxh Day on Saturday.

“I charge organisations, civil groups and other stakeholders to reduce the burden of disease by playing your part through regular educational sessions, strong endorsement of safe health practices and being an undeterred advocate for good health in Jamaica.” The theme for the day’s celebration was ‘Invest in Health, Build a Safer Future’.

Dalley said, too, that education was critical in mobilising persons to take preventative measures for their own well-being. He said with Jamaica currently experiencing a malaria outbreak, World Health Day should help to strengthen education initiative to prevent further spread of the disease.

At the same time, Dalley said significant partnership forged with organisations such as the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) has been “fruitful” and has played a tremendous role in improving the outcomes of health initiatives in Jamaica.

“The ongoing technical assistance rendered by PAHO in support of Jamaica’s malaria prevention efforts is noteworthy,” Dalley said.