World Health Day 2024, Theme, History and Significance

Context: World Health Day is observed annually on April 7.

More In News

• The COVID-19 pandemic, environmental disasters, and widening socio-economic divides have underscored a significant gap in healthcare access.
• Despite health being a constitutional right in over 140 countries, the WHO Council on the ‘Economics of Health for All’ noted that over half the global population lacks full access to vital health services.
• World Health Day 2024 highlights health equity as a fundamental human right and a pathway to global health and justice

World Health Day 2024 Overview

World Health Day Theme 2024

The theme of this year’s World Health Day, “My Health, My Right”, The need that access to necessary health services be recognized as a fundamental human right rather than a privilege is emphasized by this year’s World Health Day theme, “My Health, My Right.” Based on the findings of The WHO Council on the Economics of Health for All, many countries have failed to ensure their citizens’ access to healthcare services through legislation, even though at least 140 countries have recognized health as a fundamental human right in their constitutions.

According This year’s theme was chosen to champion the right of everyone, everywhere to have access to quality health services, education, and information, as well as safe drinking water, clean air, good nutrition, quality housing, decent working and environmental conditions, and freedom from discrimination.

World Health Day History

In December 1945, representatives from Brazil and China proposed the creation of a worldwide health organization that would be inclusive and totally free from any sovereign powers. In July 1946 in New York, the World Health Organization‘s constitution was approved. 61 nations signed an agreement to create the NGO, and it came into being on April 7th, 1948. One of the initial official activities of the WHO was the establishment of World Health Day. It was initially observed on July 22nd, 1949, but to encourage more student engagement, the date was subsequently changed to April 7th, the anniversary of the World Health Organization’s creation.

Since 1950, the then-current WHO Director-General selected a different theme for World Health Day each year based on suggestions from employees and member countries. World Health Day is a day-long celebration that raises awareness of worldwide public health problems. In celebration of World Health Day, promotional campaigns begin on April 7th and continue for a considerable amount of time.

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World Health Day Significance

• The World Health Organization (WHO) uses World Health Day, which honours the organization’s founding, to annually draw attention to a problem of vital importance to world health.
• The WHO organizes events on a particular theme at the global, regional, and local levels on World Health Day.
• World Health Day is observed by a number of countries and non-governmental organizations interested in public health issues, such as the Global Health Council, by planning events and emphasizing their support in media reports.

World Health Day UPSC

The importance of World Health Day and its themes must be well understood by candidates preparing for UPSC exams. They should also be aware of the different health-related problems the world is facing, such as infectious and non-infectious diseases, maternity and child health, mental health, sanitation, and cleanliness. Students can read all the details related to UPSC by visiting the official website of StudyIQ UPSC Online Coaching.

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