World Day of the Sick  instituted on thirteenth May 1992 by Pope John Paul the second also serves as the Memorial Day of Our Lady of Lourdes.

World Day of the Sick, which is not a liturgical celebration, has the theme, ‘As your father is merciful, so be merciful, for this year’s celebration.

World Day of the Sick is an awareness or observance in the Catholic Church intended for prayer and sharing, or offering one’s suffering for the good of the church and reminding everyone to see in his sick brother or sister the face of Christ.

It was during the celebration in 2013 that Pope Benedict the sixteen announced his resignation giving declining health as his reason for retiring.

Speaking on the significance of the day, a Knight of Saint John International, Sir Dennis Ekemezie said the day calls for reflection on health situation and environmental condition across the globe.

Sir Dennis, who lauded Anambra State Government for establishing Anambra State Health Insurance Agency, ASHIA, which he noted made quality healthcare accessible to rural dwellers called for its sustainability.

Also speaking, a farmer from Enugwu-Ukwu, Njikoka Council Area, Sir EmmanuelAnunwa called on the federal government to make funds available for researches on medical issues prevalent across the globe and Nigeria in particular.

Sir Emmanuel also appealed to international communities especially the United Nation, the European Union, African Union to provide funds for the procurement of medications, and health products and equipment for developing nations.

While praying for the quick recovery of all the sick people across the globe, Sir Emmanuel enjoined both the state and local governments to finance and equip all-health care centers within its jurisdiction.

On her part, the Parish Secretary, All Saints Catholic Church Onicha-Ugbo, Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State, Miss Blessing Onyegbiri, who said that the aim of the international day has been greatly achieved, advised the sick not to feel deserted but to hope and believe that they will receive healing.

Miss Onyegbiri called on government at all levels to build affordable and accessible hospitals with modern medical facilities to take care of different health challenges across the country even as she applauded all health care professionals and volunteers for dedicating their lives to the sick.

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