7 April: World Health Day

The World Health Day (WHD) is observed every year on 7 April to mark anniversary of founding of World Health Organization (WHO) on this day in 1948. Observance of the day focuses on disseminating knowledge and awareness about human health, increasing life expectancy by adding good health to lives of people and promoting healthier living habits across globe. The day also provides with unique opportunity to mobilize action around specific health topic of concern to people all over the world.
The theme for year 2018 is “Universal Health Coverage: Health For All’. It aims to ensure that everyone, everywhere should have access to essential quality of health services and should not experience any financial hardship while getting quality medical service. It seeks to provide an opportunity for UHC (Universal Health Care) 2030 partners to accelerate progress towards universal health coverage.

Background

The WHO annually marks World Health Day on 7 April to celebrate its founding in 1948. On this day in 1948, the first World Health Assembly was held Geneva, Switzerland. The World Health Assembly decided to celebrate 7 April of each year with effect from 1950 as the World Health Day. World Health Day is one of eight official global public health campaigns marked by WHO along with World Tuberculosis Day, World Immunization Week, World Malaria Day, World No Tobacco Day, World AIDS Day, World Blood Donor Day, and World Hepatitis Day.

World Health Organization (WHO)

WHO is a specialized agency of the United Nations that acts as a coordinating authority on international public health. It was established on 7 April 1948, it succeeded the Health Organization, which was an agency of the League of Nations. It is headquartered in                Geneva, Switzerland. It is member of United Nations Development Group (UNDG). WHO flag features the Rod of Asclepius as a symbol for healing.

Month: Current Affairs - April, 2018