World Health Day being observed today
The history of World Health Day is directly linked to the formation of the WHO.
(Web Desk) - The World Health Day is being observed across the globe on Friday.
It is celebrated annually and each year draws attention to a specific health topic of concern to people all over the world. The theme can be anywhere between health-related issues, insurance and more. The day contributes in raising awareness about the mental, physical and emotional well-being of a people all over the world.
Theme for the day this year is ‘Health for All’.
This year, the World Health Day will mark WHO's 75th anniversary and it presents an opportunity to look back at public health successes that have improved quality of life during the last seven decades.
History of World Health Day
The history of World Health Day is directly linked to the formation of the World Health Organization.
Officials of Brazil and China proposed the creation of an international health organization back in December 1945. The idea was the formation of an organization that is all-encompassing and absolutely independent from any government powers.
The constitution of the World Health Organization was approved half a year later [July 1946] in New York. The constitution entered into force on April 7, 1948, as 61 countries signed in agreement for the inception of the NGO.
As one of the first official acts of WHO, they created the celebration of World Health Day. It was first observed on July 22, 1949, but the date was later changed to April 7.
Lead role in public health achievements
Since it’s formation the U.N. agency has played a leading role in multiple public health achievements, including the eradication of smallpox and the development of an Ebola vaccine.
More recently the WHO was a key player in the COVID-19 Vaccines Global Access (COVAX) scheme, which gave low-to-middle-income countries equitable access to coronavirus vaccines and tests.
Currently lead by Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the Geneva-based WHO has 194 member states and 150 field offices worldwide.
