World Health Day is a global campaign that is recognized and supported by 193 World Health Organization (WHO) country members celebrated on every 7th of April. This day was created by WHO in 1950 with an aim to focus on the issues of global healthcare by sharing a simple message that giving health care without financial hardship.
In 1948, the first World Health Assembly was held by WHO in which the Assembly decided to celebrate World Health Day on every 7th of April with effect from 1950. World Health Day is an opportunity by the World Health Organization to draw attention to mark the importance of global health every year. This day is celebrated by numerous countries and non-governmental organizations dealing with public health concerns, who also coordinate events and showcase their involvement in media coverage, such as the Global Health Council.
Theme of World Health Day 2024
This year the theme of World Health Day 2024 is My health, My Right
According to the World Health Organization, more than 13 million fatalities are caused by preventable environmental factors each year around the world. This includes the climate crisis, which is humanity’s single most serious health danger. Climate change is a public health emergency.
COVID-19 has struck all countries hard, but it will have a more severe effect on those populations that are already poor, more vulnerable to the epidemic, less likely to have access to better healthcare and more likely to have negative impact as a result of pandemic-resistant interventions.
Since 1995, the WHO decides the annual theme for the celebration of World Health Day with the topic ranging from depression to malaria to climate change.
Goals for this World Health Day
- Create a wave of public support for the work of nurses and midwives and their role in providing health care.
- Raise the role of nurses and midwives in the health sector
- Facilitate support and investment for nurses and midwives
Importance of World Health Day
- World Health Day is one of the eight official global health campaigns of WHO.
- Every year the WHO picks a theme for World Health day which ensures us and helps us to learn about health issues.
- It is one of the important days which reflects on your own health.
For over the past 50 years World Health Day has shown a light on the important health issues like mental health, climate change, and child care. The celebration of this day is marked by various activities that serve an opportunity to focus on the important aspects of worldwide health. In 2019, the World Health Organization is focusing on Universal Health coverage. Even today many people do not have access to proper healthcare.
What is Universal Health Coverage?
Universal health coverage (UHC) is about assuring that all individuals and families have access to affordable health care where and when they need them, despite experiencing financial strain. This encompasses the full range of services provided during life, from wellness education through preventive, diagnosis, recovery and palliative care which is ideally focused on a stable primary health care network. “Universal Health Coverage to Everyone and Everywhere”
Swikriti Dandotia
