What is World Health Day and why is it observed?

World Health Day is observed on April 7. It is the anniversary of the World Health Organization's (WHO) establishment in 1948. Every year, a different health-related topic is highlighted on World Health Day to raise awareness among the general population.

2023 World Health Day Theme

"Health For All" is the theme of World Health Day in 2023. The WHO identifies a fresh health issue that needs serious attention each year.

The History Of World Health Day

We must discuss the founding of the World Health Organization in order to discuss World Health Day. Brazilian and Chinese government representatives put out the idea of establishing a global, totally independent body for health in December 1945.

The World Health Organization's charter was ratified in July 1946 in New York, which was six months after the founding date. As 61 nations agreed to the creation of the NGO, the aforementioned constitution came into effect on April 7, 1948.

The creation of World Health Day was one of the organisation's first formal initiatives. It was first commemorated on July 22, 1949, but to encourage student involvement, the date was later changed to April 7, the day the World Health Organization was founded.

Since 1950, the WHO Director-General has chosen a new subject for World Health Day each year based on ideas from the member nations and employees.

World Health Day is a chance for people all around the world to concentrate attention on significant public health issues that have an impact on the global society. Promotional initiatives are started in honour of World Health Day and last much beyond April 7.

World Health Day's Traditions

Since its creation, World Health Day has seen extensive global advocacy for health issues and access to healthcare. Every year on this day, the World Health Organization has a different theme that is emphasised in classrooms, seminars, workshops, and discussion forums. The goal of the day is to raise awareness of the health problems that the underprivileged and needy face in underdeveloped areas of the world, as well as to serve as a reminder to be thankful for our own health and to better take care of it.

There are charity drives and fundraisers planned, as well as outdoor activities like biking and hiking. Due to our demanding lifestyles, mental health is frequently overlooked despite the fact that it is crucial in today's society. Therapy and mediation are therefore highly recommended. Naturally, since you are what you eat, the daily meals and restaurant specials are all about eating a balanced diet.

Key Information

70% - the percentage of social- and health workers who are women.

100 million - the number of people who survive on $1.90 or less a day.

800 million - the number of people who spent a good portion of their household budget on healthcare in 2017.

20.6% - the percentage of adults in America who experienced serious mental illness in 2019.

6.6 million - the number of children around the world who die due to weak healthcare systems.

800 - the number of women who die every day due to pregnancy complications.

$8.4 billion - the number of dollars spent on Halloween in 2018, which is more than what the world spends on combating malaria.

5 - the average age of children in Zambia who die due to malaria.

2195 - the number of children around the world who die from diarrhoea.

10.2 million - the number of people in America who suffer from mental health and addiction disorders.