World Health Day 2024- History & Significance

World Health Day is a global event observed annually on 7 April. It marks the anniversary of the founding of the World Health Organization (WHO) which happened in the year 1948. Ever since its inception, the day has been celebrated while focusing on creating awareness about issues related to healthcare. Over the years, it has highlighted numerous health issues such as child care, mental health, maternal health, climate change, and so on. In this blog, we will explore the history, theme, and significance of this important day.

Name of the event	World Health Day
Observed on	7 April
Reason	To raise awareness about the different health issues on the global level.
Theme

History of World Health Day

World Health Day is a global occasion to draw attention to critical public health concerns affecting the international community. On the occasion of World Health Day, promotional campaigns are launched that will go well beyond April 7. To discuss its history, we must first discuss the establishment of the World Health Organization.

• In December 1945, representatives from Brazil and China proposed the establishment of an all-encompassing and completely independent worldwide health institution.
• Half a year later, in July 1946, the World Health Organization’s constitution was approved in New York.
• On April 7, 1948, 61 countries signed an agreement to establish the Organization, and the constitution went into effect.
• They established World Health Day as one of the organization’s first formal initiatives.
• It was first marked on July 22, 1949, but the date was later changed to April 7, the anniversary of the creation of WHO, in order to increase student participation.
• Since 1950, this day has had a different subject each year, which is chosen by the current WHO Director-General based on nominations from member governments and employees.

What is the Theme of World Health Day?

The theme of World Health Day 2024 is “My Health, My Right”. It empowers individuals to recognize their healthcare rights and own them. This theme also encourages netizens around the world to recognize quality healthcare standards as their basic right. Similarly, the theme for 2023 was Health for All, and for 2022, it was Our Planet, our Health. 

Must Read: World Teen Mental Wellness Day 2023

What is the Significance of this Day?

Here are a few points highlighting the significance of World Health Day:

• It raises awareness about different global health issues
• The day aims to encourage people to adopt a healthy lifestyle 
• It encourages governments and organizations around the world to invest in and improve healthcare 
• It also encourages early diagnosis and treatment among citizens around the world
• World Health Day provides a platform for healthy discussions about global health issues 

Relevant Read: International Day of Happiness 2023

Timeline of Events

An Organization is Born (1945)

A motion was carried out at the United Nations Conference in San Francisco to establish a new and independent institution dedicated to discussing health issues.

Deciding the Date (1948)

The First Health Assembly established April 7 as World Health Day to commemorate the establishment of WHO.

It’s Official (April 7, 1950)

World Health Day became official in 1950.

50th Anniversary (April 7, 1998)

On the 50th anniversary of the World Health Organization, World Health Day focuses on safe motherhood.

Also Read: World Mental Health Day 2023: History, Theme, Objective

World Health Day Around the World

Country	Holiday	Occasion	Date
Canada	FND Awareness Day	A day dedicated to increasing awareness about Functional Neurological Diseases.	April 13
South Africa	Pregnancy Awareness Week	This observance strives to improve prenatal education by emphasizing critical concerns that ensure a healthy pregnancy and safe motherhood.	February 10–16
Vietnam	Doctors’ Day	Doctors and their vital services are recognized.	February 27
India	National Deworming Day	The day’s goal is to eradicate intestinal worms, commonly known as Soil-Transmitted Helminths (STH), among children aged 1 to 19 years.	February 10

How to Observe World Health Day?

Individuals, families, schools, churches, and other community organizations can all participate in commemorating and observing this important day. It’s an excellent moment to interact with others on relevant issues. To get started with celebrating and enjoying the day, try some of these suggestions:

• Take care of your family’s health
• Participate in related activities
• Spread the word about this interesting and important day
• Discover the current year’s theme
• Plan fundraising events
• Find out more about local health

Also Read: World Environment Health Day 2023: Theme, Importance

World Health Day 2024 Quotes

This World Health Day, read these related quotes to motivate yourself to take care of yourself.

1. True silence is the rest of the mind, and is to the spirit what sleep is to the body, nourishment, and refreshment – William Penn
2. It is health that is real wealth and not pieces of gold and silver – Mahatma Gandhi

1. True friendship is like sound health; the value of it is seldom known until it is lost – Charles Caleb Colton
2. Happiness is the highest form of health – Dalai Lama
3. Health is not valued till sickness comes – Thomas Fuller
4. It is no measure of health to be well adjusted to a profoundly sick society – Jiddu Krishnamurti
5. But the real secret to lifelong good health is the opposite. Let your body take care of you – Deepak Chopra
6. Those who think they do have not time for bodily exercise will sooner or later have to find time for illness – Edward Stanley
7. If I’d known I was going to live so long, I’d have taken better care of myself – Leon Eldred
8. Health is the greatest gift, contentment the greatest wealth, faithfulness the best relationship – Buddha

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