World Health Day is being observed on Monday, April 7th of April across the globe.
The day is a global initiative led by World Health Organization with increasing awareness about diseases, mental health challenges, and the importance of preventive care, as a top priority.
The idea for World Health Day originated from the first World Health Assembly, which was held in Geneva, Switzerland, in 1948. At this assembly, the WHO constitution was adopted, and the organisation was charged with the responsibility of promoting health and preventing disease worldwide.
The day is marked by a variety of activities and events, including public lectures, health campaigns, and community outreach programmes. Governments and organisations around the world also use the occasion to launch new health initiatives and programmes.
This year’s theme:
This year, the day is being celebrated under the theme “Healthy beginnings, hopeful futures”, highlighting the importance of the health of mothers and babies forming the foundation of healthy families and communities, thereby helping to ensure hopeful futures for us all.
Additionally, it will urge governments and the healthcare community to intensify efforts to eliminate preventable maternal and newborn deaths and to prioritise the long-term health and well-being of women, with the WHO and its partners also disseminating valuable information to support healthy pregnancies, safe births, and improved postnatal health.
