April 7th
World Health Day
Each year, World Health Day draws attention to a specific health issue of concern to people around the world. The date 7 April was chosen as the anniversary of the founding of the WHO in 1948
We can imagine a world where clean air, water, and food are available to everyone. Where economies focus on health and well-being. Where cities are inhabited by people who have control over their own health and the health of the planet.
On April 7, 2023, the World Health Organization will celebrate its 75th anniversary on World Health Day. In 1948, countries around the world came together to establish WHO to promote health, keep the world safe, and serve the vulnerable so that everyone, everywhere can achieve the highest level of health and well-being. The 75th anniversary of WHO is an opportunity to reflect on the achievements in public health that have improved the quality of life over the past seven decades. It is also an opportunity to motivate action to address today's and tomorrow's health challenges. Join WHO on the journey to achieve health for all - HealthForAll WHO75.
WHO estimates that more than 13 million deaths worldwide are caused by preventable environmental causes each year. This includes the climate crisis, which is the biggest health threat humanity faces. The climate crisis is also a health crisis. Our political, social, and trade decisions are driving the climate and health crisis. More than 90% of people breathe unhealthy air caused by the burning of fossil fuels. The world is witnessing mosquitoes spreading diseases further and faster than ever before. Extreme weather events, land degradation, and water scarcity are displacing people and affecting their health. Pollution and plastics are found at the bottom of our deepest oceans, highest mountains, and have entered our food chain. Systems that produce highly processed unhealthy foods and drinks are driving an obesity epidemic, increasing the prevalence of cancer and heart disease, and generating one-third of global greenhouse gas emissions.
Although the COVID-19 pandemic has shown us the healing power of science, it has also highlighted the inequalities in our world. The pandemic has exposed weaknesses in all areas of society and emphasized the urgency of creating sustainable societies for well-being that are committed to achieving equitable health for current and future generations without exceeding ecological limits. The current form of the economy leads to an unfair distribution of income, wealth, and power, with too many people still living in poverty and instability. An economy of well-being aims for human well-being, justice, and ecological sustainability. These goals are reflected in long-term investments, welfare budgets, and legal and fiscal strategies. Breaking the cycles of planetary destruction and human health requires legislative measures, corporate reforms, and support and motivation for individuals to make healthy decisions.
Source: UN
