The United Nations(UN) World Health Day is annually observed across the globe on 7th April to draw attention to a specific health topic of concern to people all over the world.
The day also marks the anniversary of the founding of the World Health Organization(WHO).
- 7th April 2023 marks the 75th anniversary of the founding of WHO in 1948.
The theme of World Health Day 2023 is “Health for All”.
- The 2023 theme envisions that all people have good health for a fulfilling life in a peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable world.
Background:
i.During the 1st World Health Assembly(WHA), WHO decided to sponsor the observance of World Health Day on 22nd July of every year across all member states.
- Since most of the schools and educational institutes, important focal points of the observance, are closed on 22nd July, the date 7th April, the day on which the Constitution of WHO officially entered into force in 1948, was chosen as the suitable alternative for the observance.
ii.Later, the 2nd World Health Assembly decided that starting from 1950, every year the 7th of April will be observed as World Health Day.
Key Points:
i.The right to health is a basic human right. Everyone must have access to the health services they need when and where they need them without financial hardship.
ii.Globally around 30% of the population does not have access to essential health services.
Universal Health Coverage (UHC):
i.Universal health coverage (UHC) means that all people have access to the full range of quality health services they need, when and where they need them, without financial hardship.
ii.UHC offers financial protection and access to quality essential services, lifts people out of poverty, promotes the well-being of families and communities, protects against public health crises, and moves us toward #HealthForAll.
Observance in India:
On the occasion of World Health Day 2023, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare organised a walkathon event under the theme “Health for All” in New Delhi, Delhi from Vijay Chowk via Kartavya Path and passed through India Gate to reach Nirman Bhawan.
- Union Health Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya and Minister of State(MoS) for Health & Family Welfare, Dr. Bharti Pravin Pawar, led the walkathon.
Aim of the Walkathon: To create awareness about healthy habits not only to keep away Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) but also for positive effects on mental well-being.
About World Health Organization(WHO):
WHO is the UN agency working to promote health, keep the world safe and serve the vulnerable.
Director-general– Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus
Headquarters– Geneva, Switzerland
