2023-07-20 19:02:39
With the aim of raising awareness regarding the importance of self-care and prevention in the comprehensive well-being of society, the Association of Manufacturers of Free Access Medicines (AFAMELA) has joined the initiative of the Health Commission of the Chamber of Deputies to convene the 1st. Self-Care for Health Meeting on July 26.
Within the framework of International Self-Care Day —which is commemorated every July 24—, this meeting between representatives of government agencies such as the Ministry of Health, the IMSS and specialists from national and international organizations such as UNAM and the Aspen Institute, will seek to lay the foundations to strengthen the national culture of self-care from different perspectives such as the importance of universal health coverage, bioethics, active life cycles, healthy aging, among others.
This forum adds to the actions promoted by AFAMELA to promote knowledge and responsible use of over-the-counter medicines (without a prescription), as well as self-care practices.
At the beginning of this year, the association presented the results of the study “Self-Care Readiness Index” integrated in collaboration with the Global Self-Care Federation, and which makes it possible to identify the effect of public policies on self-care in the health systems of ten countries: Germany, Australia, Canada, Colombia, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Mexico, Singapore and the United Arab Emirates.
This research for the Mexican case highlighted that close to 80% of those surveyed feel educated as well as empowered to search for products and carry out self-care practices due to support programs in their communities.
Given this, Sergio Gómez, president of the Board of Directors of AFAMELA, indicates that “these results show us that we are on the right track in matters of empowerment in health; In this Index, official figures stand out that indicate that more than 60% of the success in increasing well-being lies in self-care and prevention, so it is crucial to continue accompanying Mexican society to encourage awareness of illnesses, symptoms, and the proper use of over-the-counter medications.”
According to this research, more than 15 million Mexicans go to the national health system for common illnesses such as flu, diarrhea, muscle pain, and headaches. “The great value of over-the-counter medicines lies in the safety of their consumption through rational use and identifying their characteristics on the labels,” recalls Sergio Gómez.
For his part, the Executive Director of AFAMELA, Ricardo Ramírez, affirms that these meetings where the government, civil associations and international organizations converge, are an excellent opportunity to empower patients and sensitize the actors involved regarding the benefits of having a healthier population, as well as encourage them to establish a comprehensive public policy that strengthens these prevention practices with national coverage.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), self-care is a set of elements that allows a long-term benefit for vulnerable populations. In this sense, Ricardo Ramírez recalls that self-care always follows three guidelines: physical, psychological and social well-being, so it is important to emphasize that it is not only a personal responsibility but a commitment that involves everyone: “For this reason, this type of meeting is essential, and to include these topics in the curricula of medical schools, medical congresses, awareness campaigns, continuing education activities, to give a few examples,” concluded the Executive Director of AFAMELA.
The 1st. Self-Care for Health Meeting will take place in the Chamber of Deputies on July 26, at 5:00 p.m. (Av. Congreso de la Unión No. 66, Edif. F, Level 2, Col. El Parque, Mayor’s Office. Venustiano Carranza, CP 15960, Mexico, CDMX). After the closing of the Forum, the Illumination Ceremony of the legislative compound will be held as a symbolic act of commitment to self-care.
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