The World Health Day celebrations which had been slated to take place on Wednesday last week, have been postponed to a later date, Health Minister, Dr. Richard Sezibera has said.

Globally, these celebrations fall on April 7 each year, however, Rwanda recognizes this day at a later date.

"We do not hold these celebrations on April 7, because they coincide with the commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. We are yet to set a date that will be communicated,” Sezibera said.

During last year’s celebrations which mainly focused on making hospitals safe in emergencies, Sezibera, noted that all patients have the right to receive care when they need it adding that there are cases that deserve special care and must be given priority depending on their health condition.

Across the world, countries celebrated the day with a focus on urbanization and health.

According to the World Health Organization, this year’s celebrations were a major call to all nations to open up public spaces to health, such as activities in parks, town hall meetings, clean-up campaigns, or closing off portions of streets to motorized vehicles.

Medical experts note through this, the health of citizens significantly improves as they take time to do physical exercises, health checks, eat healthy local food and visit local attractions.

The minister did not explain how this day will be marked in Rwanda, however, he emphasized that details will be communicated in due course.

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