Know why World Health Day celebrated, significance and history
World Health Day 2023: World Health Day is celebrated on April 7 annually as a way to raise awareness of global health issues and promote preventive health care. This day is celebrated by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and is an opportunity to draw attention to a specific health issue of particular relevance to people around the world.
This year, World Health Day marks the 75th anniversary of the WHO, and the focus is on building a fairer, healthier world. This year’s theme is “Universal Health Coverage: Everyone, Everywhere.” This theme emphasizes the importance of providing access to quality health care for all people, regardless of their socio-economic background or geographical location.
Universal health coverage (UHC) is about ensuring that all people have access to quality health care services without suffering financial hardship. This includes preventative, curative, rehabilitative, and palliative services, as well as access to safe, effective, and affordable essential medicines and vaccines. UHC is a key part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and World Health Day is an opportunity to raise awareness of this important issue.
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History of World Health Day
The World Health Organisation held the first Health Assembly in 1948, right after two years, it was decided that April 7 will be observed as World Health Day. This day marks the WHO's founding, it also draws global attention towards healthcare.
Including the World Health Day, the WHO campaigns for several other health causes: World Malaria Day, World Chagas Disease Day, World Tuberculosis Day, World No Tobacco Day, World Immunization Week, World AIDS Day, World Blood Donor Day, World Patient Safety Day, World Hand Hygiene Day, World Antimicrobial Awareness Week and World Hepatitis Day, , World Food Safety Day, World Suicide Prevention Day among many.
Know about the significance of World Health Day
Every year, the WHO highlights and bring up and new theme which needs serious attention.
In the year 2021, the world was struggling to free itself from the clutches of the pandemic coronavirus, the WHO World Health Day theme was "Building a fairer, healthier world". Before that, in 2020, it was "Support Nurses and Midwives".
"Today is #WorldHealthDay!
Environmental factors - including climate change - claim 13 million lives every year.
Stop burning fossil fuels like oil, coal and natural gas for a #HealthierTomorrow," the global health agency has urged people.
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- With inputs from agencies
