World Health Day
Every April 7, the World Health Organization chooses to highlight a special theme current in the wellness and medical world. Ranging from mental health to insurance and everything in between, this day sets the tone for what’s to come on the world stage. This year’s World Health Day will shine a light on nurses and midwives, the on-the-call, restless workforce that revolutionized the healthcare industry as we know it today.
HISTORY OF WORLD HEALTH DAY
To talk about World Health Day, we need to talk about the creation of the World Health Organization as a whole. In December 1945, officials of Brazil and China proposed the creation of an international health organization, that is all-encompassing and independent from any government powers.
Half a year later, in New York, in July 1946, the constitution of the World Health Organization was approved. Said constitution entered into force on April 7, 1948, as 61 countries signed an 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, the establishment of WHO, to encourage student participation.
Since 1950, Worth Health Day uses a different theme and theme each year selected by the current WHO Director-General, based on the suggestions of the member governments and staff.
World Health Day provides a global opportunity to focus attention on important public health issues that affect the international community. On the occasion of World Health Day, promotional programs are launched that continue for a long time after April 7.
World Health Day 2020 will shine a light on the vital role played by nurses and midwives in providing health care around the world, where advocacy events will be held around the world, including the launch of the first-ever State of the World’s Nursing Report, which will provide planning to optimize the contributions of the nursery workforce, with a similar report on the Midwifery workforce to be done in 2021.
HOW TO OBSERVE WORLD HEALTH DAY
1.Organize a conversation in your community
WHO offers free information toolkits for organizers. Take the challenge and lead a conversation in your community about a current healthcare issue.
2.Read up on past year’s themes
With over 50 years of health days in the archives, it can be an interesting exercise to look at how far — or not — we have come in healthcare. You might learn something interesting and relevant even from older information.
3.Thank your nurses!
This year’s World Health Day is focused on them, so make sure to thank them! Flowers, tweets, or any nice gesture will go a long way for sure!
WHY WORLD HEALTH DAY IS IMPORTANT
A. Why World Health Day is Important
World Health Day inspires action on a global scale World Health Day is one of WHO’s eight official global health campaigns. The day sparks awareness activities and media reports.
B. It’s a chance to learn something new
By choosing a different theme each year, World Health Day ensures that we are always learning! WHO picks each year’s subject based on a current pressing health issue and dedicates the week to conferences and activities about the topic.
C. It brings us together
World Health Day can also be an important day to reflect on your health. Conversation can help reduce the stigma associated with illness and lead to more people seeking support and treatment.
References:
“World Health Day” │ https://nationaltoday.com/world-health-day/