The United Nations(UN)’s World Health Day is annually observed across the globe on 7th April to draw attention towards a specific health topic that concerns people across the globe to highlight the priority area of concern for the World Health Organisation (WHO).
The day is celebrated under the sponsorship of the WHO and other related organizations.
The theme of World Health Day 2021 is “Building a Fairer, Healthier World”.
Background:
i.The day 7th April marks the anniversary of the inception of WHO at the first World Health Assembly in 1948 and the World Health day has been observed since 1950.
ii.The first World Health Day was observed on 7th April 1950.
“Building a Fairer, Healthier World for everyone” Campaign:
i.On World Health Day 2021, The year-long campaign “Building a Fairer, Healthier World for everyone” calls for action to eliminate health inequalities.
ii.The campaign brings people together to build a fairer and healthier world.
iii.This campaign highlights the constitutional principle of WHO – the highest attainable standard of health is one of the fundamental rights of every human irrespective of their race, religion, political belief, economic or social condition.
Effects of COVID-19 on Health:
i.The COVID-19 pandemic has affected health gains and pushed many people into poverty and food insecurity and amplified gender, social and health inequalities.
ii.First time in 20 years, the global poverty level is expected to rise and affect the progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
iii.Around 60% of people of some countries do have coverage with essential health services.
iv.Globally around 1 billion people living in informal settlements face challenges in preventing infection and transmission of coronavirus.
About WHO:
Director-General- Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus
Headquarters– Geneva, Switzerland
