NEW DELHI: World Health Day 2024: Date, Theme, History, Significance and Interesting Facts

NEW DELHI: World Health Day is commemorated every year on the founding day of the World Health Organisation (WHO). On April 7, annually, the day is observed in order to raise awareness about global health issues and highlight the importance of well-being. To celebrate this day, people from around the globe come together to promote a healthier world for everyone and to recognise WHO’s achievements. WHO is an autonomous organisation that works under the United Nations (UN) to promote health-related issues globally. As we celebrate World Health Day today let us take a look at this year’s theme, significance of the day and about its history.

World Health Day 2024: Theme

The year 2024 marks the 76th anniversary of WHO and as a part of celebration WHO has chosen ‘My Health, My Right’ as the theme of World Health Day 2024 which focuses on the fundamental human right: access to quality health care, education and information.

World Health Day 2024: History

Established on October 24, 1945 the main goal of the United Nations is to promote worldwide peace, security, and better living conditions for everyone. One important factor for better living was public health. Taking this in consideration, the diplomats who created the United Nations discussed the need for an International World Health Organisation. On April 7, 1948 the constitution of the World Health Organisation came into being.

The World Health Assembly (WHA) was formed to overlook the work for the WHO. The World Health Organisation was formed by the merger of the Heath Organisation of the League of Nations and the office international d’Hygiene Publique and the International Classification of Diseases (ICD). However, it began functioning in 1951, after acquiring sufficient capital resources. India was added to the WHO constitution on January 12, 1948.

World Health Day 2024: Significance

1. WHO has worked on several issues like Smallpox, Chickenpox, Polio, TB, Leprosy etc. in developing countries.
2. Organisations that participated in WHO highlight all their activities through media like news and press releases, so that people are aware of it.
3. World Health Day is celebrated by government, non-government, NGOs and other organisations worldwide.
4. To achieve the goal of World Health Day, people in WHO hold debates between individuals about different health related topics, organise exhibits, competitions and award ceremonies.