Event Series:
World Health Day
World Health Day
April 7
April 7 is World Health Day
World Health Day is celebrated annually on April 7. The date of April 7 marks the anniversary of the founding of WHO. Further, each year draws attention to a specific health topic of concern to people all over the world.
Founded in 1948, WHO is the United Nations agency that connects nations, partners and people to promote health, keep the world safe and serve the vulnerable. Therefore, everyone, everywhere can attain the highest level of health.
WHO leads global efforts to expand universal health coverage. In addition, it directs and coordinate the world’s response to health emergencies. And the World Health Organization (WHO) promotes healthier lives. From pregnancy care through old age, their Triple Billion targets outline an ambitious plan for the world to achieve good health for all using science-based policies and programs.
Work of the World Health Organization and World Health Day
The WHO puts science to work to build a healthier, safer world. The World Health Organization leads and champions global efforts to achieve better health for all. By connecting countries, people and partners, they strive to give everyone, everywhere an equal chance at a safe and healthy life. The awareness color for World Health Day is green. Please wear a green fabric ribbon, enamel green pin, or green wristband to recognize World Health Day.
From emerging epidemics such as COVID-19 and Zika to the persistent threat of communicable diseases including HIV, malaria, tuberculosis and chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and cancer, WHO brings together 194 countries. It works on the frontlines in 150+ locations to confront the biggest health challenges of our time and measurably advance the well-being of the world’s people.
One billion more people benefit from universal health coverage
Good health care is needed at all stages of life. That’s why universal health coverage (UHC) is vital to WHO’s efforts to ensure access to health as a human right.
Programs and partnerships emphasize:
- Access to primary and preventative health care.
- Ensuring access to the medicines and health products that people need.
- Sustainable financing and financial protection for people and communities.
- Workforce training and labor protection for health workers.
One billion more people are better protected from health emergencies.
WHO plays an essential role supporting countries to prepare for, detect, respond to and recover from health emergencies, including pandemics, disease outbreaks, natural disasters and humanitarian crises.
Amid a growing need for rapid response, WHO builds global systems that:
- Predict, prevent and contain emerging risks.
- Support countries and communities to respond to disease outbreaks, disasters and humanitarian crises/
- Rapidly assess the availability, safety, and efficacy of emergency health products.
- Marshal resources and health services for fair global access to vaccines, therapeutics, diagnostics and supplies.
- Support on-the-ground care in fragile settings to protect the most vulnerable.
One billion more people enjoy better health and well-being. Celebrate it on World Health Day.
Because good health goes beyond treating illness, WHO mobilizes all sectors of society to address the root causes of health problems, promote wellness and address physical, psychosocial and environmental health risks. WHO’s healthier populations target tracks the social and environmental factors that play a pivotal role in shaping health, such as:
- Clean air and water.
- Safe roads.
- Healthy eating and exercise.
- Violence and injury prevention.
