World Health Day

Held on : 7th April

World Health Day is an annual event observed on April 7th. It is observed to draw attention to particular priorities in global health. Being physically healthy is of prime importance in life. Changes are required to develop public health system to address the growing degradation of health amongst the populace. There is a significant rise in the number of people suffering from various ailments and diseases. T attain this objective the United Nations Economic and Social Council, which first met in 1946 called for the establishment of an organization in the United Nations, which would be dedicated to health issues. The new organization would carry on the work of the Office International d'Hygiène Publique (the International Office for Public Hygiene) and the health units of the League of Nations. The World Health Organization was founded on April 7, 1948. Since then, the organization has carried out a huge amount of valuable work, including the global eradication of smallpox and the implementation of a wide range of public health strategies. Now, 193 countries are members and the organization is still working to improve many aspects of health around the world. At the First World Health Assembly in 1948, the delegates called for a World Health Day to mark the anniversary of the founding of the World Health Organization. This has been held on April 7 every year since 1950. The day is used to draw attention to particular priorities in global health. Priorities in the last three occasions was 2008: Protecting health from the adverse effects of climate change, 2007: International health security and 2006: Working together for health.

The WHO logo or emblem, which was chosen by the first World Health Assembly in 1948, consists of the UN symbol surmounted by a staff with a snake coiling round it. The staff with the snake has long been a symbol of medicine and the medical profession. It originates from the story of Aesculapius who was revered by the ancient Greeks as a god of healing and whose cult involved the use of snakes. The UN symbol features a projection of a world map (less Antarctica) centred on the North Pole, inscribed in a wreath consisting of crossed conventionalized branches of the olive tree. The olive branches symbolize peace and the world map depicts the area of concern to the UN in achieving its main purpose, peace and security. The projection of the map extends to 60 degrees south latitude, and includes five concentric circles. On this day various local, national and international events are arranged to educate the public and policy makers about a specific aspect of the World Health Organization's work. This event receives plenty of media coverage. A tool kit is provided for those who wish to plan events but emphasizes that these should be suitable for the local cultural, social and economic conditions. Examples of events include conferences for health workers, briefings for local politicians, and informational displays for children and young people. Public marches and demonstrations, as well as free or easy access to medical tests, can also take place on the day.

Alternate Name - United Nations' World Health Day

Holiday Status - It is not a Holiday.