The United Nations (UN) World Health Day is a global health awareness day annually observed across the globe on 7 April to draw attention to a specific health topic of concern to people worldwide.
- The World Health Day celebration has aimed to create awareness of a specific health theme to highlight a priority area of concern for the World Health Organization (WHO).
- 7 April 2024 marks the 76th anniversary of the founding of WHO in 1948.
Theme:
The theme for World Health Day 2024 is ‘My health, my right’.
- The 2024 campaign theme advocates for ensuring universal access to quality health services, education, information, safe drinking water, clean air, good nutrition, quality housing, decent working, and environmental conditions, and freedom from discrimination.
Background:
i.The 1st World Health Assembly (WHA) in 1948 decided that WHO should sponsor the annual observance of World Health Day on 22nd July by all States Members.
- Schools and educational institutions were envisioned as important focal points in commemorating this day.
- On 22nd July, most schools in many countries are closed and ineffective for the observance.
ii.7 April the date of inception of the WHO Constitution in 1948, was chosen as a suitable alternative for the observance.
iii.The 2nd WHA decided that, beginning from 1950 and each year thereafter the 7 April should appropriately be observed as World Health Day by all States Members.
Challenges Facing Global Health:
i.Around the world, the right to health of millions is increasingly under threat. Diseases and disasters pose significant health threats.
ii.Conflicts devastate lives, causing death, pain, hunger, and psychological distress.
iii.Burning fossil fuels contributes to the climate crisis and compromises clean air, with air pollution (indoor and outdoor) claiming a life every 5 seconds.
Lack of Implementation:
i.Approximately 4.5 billion people (over half of the world’s population) lack full coverage of essential health services as of 2021.
ii.Approximately 2 billion people face financial hardships due to healthcare costs.
iii.An additional USD 200–328 billion annually is needed globally to scale up primary healthcare in low- and middle-income countries.
- It is 3.3% of the national forecast Gross domestic product (GDP).
iv.The WHO Council on the Economics of Health for All has found that at least 140 countries recognise health as a human right in their constitution.
Note: Since 2000, 42 countries improved health service coverage and reduced catastrophic health spending.
2024 Event:
A high-level dialogue between the WHO Director-General and the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights “Realizing the Right to Health in a World in Turmoil” was organised on 8 April 2024 in Geneva, Switzerland.
- This dialogue brought together the WHO Director-General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, and the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Mr Volker Türk for discussion.
NMC & NTF Launches “My Health, My Rights” Initiative for Medical Students and Professionals
On the occasion of World Health Day 2024 (7 April 2024), the National Medical Commission (NMC) and the National Task Force on Mental Health and Well-being of Medical Students (NTF) launched an innovative initiative “My Health, My Rights”. This initiative was coordinated by the NMC Anti-Ragging Committee.
Note:
- NMC has been constituted by an act of Parliament known as the National Medical Commission Act, 2019 which came into force on 25 September 2020.
- NMC formed NTF, a task force to tackle mental health-related issues among medical students.
Aim: To address the healthcare issues faced by medical students and professionals.
Points to note:
i.Acknowledging the physical, mental, and emotional toll of the medical profession’s demanding nature, NMC is committed to establishing a comprehensive support system to ensure access to quality healthcare and prioritise the well-being of medical students and professionals.
ii.The key components of the initiative are establishment of mental health support services; provision of confidential counseling and therapy and resources to address stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges.
iii.The initiative also introduces wellness programs focusing on physical health and emotional resilience.
iv.Includes yoga, mindfulness meditation, stress management workshops, and nutritional guidance.
About World Health Organisation (WHO):
Director General– Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus
Headquarters– Geneva, Switzerland
Established in– 7 April 1948
