World Health Day
World Health Day is celebrated on the 7th of April every year and commemorates the founding of the World Health Organisation (WHO) in 1948. It is one of the 11 official global health campaigns observed by WHO annually. World Health Day aims to draw the public’s attention to specific widespread health issues. The theme of the campaign this year was “Our Planet, Our Health”.
The WHO estimated that over 13 million deaths annually could be attributed to avoidable environmental causes. Additionally, statistics show how the burning of fossil fuels forces over 90% of the world’s population to breathe polluted air. Through these numbers, it is possible to gauge how the planet suffers in our hands. Therefore, World Health Day intends to highlight how our political and economic decisions are affecting the planet’s health. The effect our actions have on the environment and its role in intensifying the climate crisis is discussed on global platforms during World Health Day.
With increasing cases of cancer, asthma and heart disease, celebrating World Health Day has become an important event. It makes it possible to spread awareness of the environmental degradation due to our ignorant actions. It is observed by both government and non-government organisations around the world.
By shedding light on the issues of pollution, water scarcity and land degradation, it is possible to understand how the deterioration of the planet affects the health of its people. Schools and other educational institutions mark this day by encouraging students to volunteer at healthcare centres and participate in discussions about world health.
1. What does World Health Day commemorate?
World Health Day, celebrated on the 7th of April every year, commemorates the founding of the World Health Organisation (WHO) in 1948.
2. What is World Health Day about?
World Health Day aims to draw the public’s attention to specific widespread health issues.
3. What was this past year’s theme on World Health Day?
The theme of the campaign this year was “Our Planet, Our Health”. WHO found that each year, more than 13 million deaths are caused by environmental causes that can be avoided. The burning of fossil fuels has also forced over 90% of the world’s population to breathe harmful air.
4. Why is World Health Day important?
It makes it possible to spread awareness of the environmental degradation that happens due to our ignorant actions. Both government and non-government organisations around the world observe the day.
