Basic Information
World Health Day is an annual event observed on April 7 to give awareness about health issues and concern.
Observed on: April 7
Organized by: WHO, UN
Introduced in: 1950 (First Observation)
Observed: Worldwide
About World Health Day
Every year April 7 is observed as World Health Day. This day is observed to give awareness about health issues and concern under the sponsorship of World Health Organization (WHO).
World Health Assembly was held first time in the year 1948 in Geneva where it was decided to celebrate the World Health Day annually on 7th of April. The first World Health Day was observed on 7th April 1950.
Activities and Programs on World Health Day
Every year World Health Day is observed on a specific theme which is important at that time. On this day WHO organizes International, national, regional, and local events or programs to spread the message of theme selected for particular day.
World Health Day programs and activities are organized by different organizations worked in the field of health and awareness. Schools, colleges, hospitals, non-government organizations, health organizations, etc. are took part in the programs. Many programs like street plays, medical camps, presentations, seminars, discussions, television and radio programs, awareness programs, campaigns, social media campaigns, competitions, award ceremony, etc. are conducted on this day.
Activities on World Health Day 2020 is to honor the contribution of nurses and midwives, recognizing their vital role in keeping the world healthy. World Health Assembly has designated year 2020 as the International Year of the Nurse and the Midwife. So, in the year 2020, health day is an opportunity to highlight the work of nursing and midwifery around the world. Nurses and other health workers are at the front lines of COVID-19 response, putting their own health at risk to protect the broader community. The hashtag used is #SupportNursesAndMidwives
Theme for World Health Day
World Health Day 2021 Theme is “Building a fairer, healthier world“
World Health Day 2020 Theme was “Support Nurses and Midwives“
World Health Day 2019 Theme was “Universal health coverage: everyone, everywhere“. Slogan: Health for All
Health Day 2018 Theme was “Universal health coverage: everyone, everywhere“. Slogan: Health for All
2017 Theme: Depression: Let’s talk.
2016 Theme: Diabetes: Scale up prevention, strengthen care, and enhance surveillance.
2015 Theme: Food safety (with 5 keys; Key 1: Keep clean, Key 2: Separate raw and cooked food, Key 3: Cook food thoroughly, Key 4: Keep food at safe temperatures, Key 5: Use safe water and raw materials).
2014 Theme: Vector-borne diseases.
2013 Theme: Healthy heart beat, Healthy blood pressure.
2012 Theme: Good health adds life to years.
2011 Theme: Anti-microbial resistance: no action today, no cure tomorrow.
2010 Theme: Urbanization and health: make cities healthier.
2009 Theme: Save lives, make hospitals safe in emergencies.
2008 Theme: Protecting health from the adverse effects of climate change.
2007 Theme: International health security.
2006 Theme: Working together for health.
2005 Theme: Make every mother and child count.
2004 Theme: Road safety.
2003 Theme: Shape the future of life: healthy environments for children.
2002 Theme: Move for health.
2001 Theme: Mental Health: stop exclusion, dare to care.
2000 Theme: Safe Blood starts with me.
1999 Theme: Active aging makes the difference.
1998 Theme: Safe motherhood.
1997 Theme: Emerging infectious diseases.
1996 Theme: Healthy Cities for better life.
1995 Theme: Global Polio Eradication.
1994 Theme: Oral Health for a Healthy Life.
1993 Theme: Handle life with care: Prevent violence and Negligence.
1992 Theme: Heart beat: A rhythm of Health.
1991 Theme: Should Disaster Strike, be prepared.
1990 Theme: Our Planet our Earth: Think Globally Act Locally.
1989 Theme: Let’s talk Health.
1988 Theme: Health for All: All for Health.
1987 Theme: Immunization: A chance for every Child.
1986 Theme: Healthy living: Everyone a winner.
1985 Theme: Healthy Youth- Our best Resource.
1984 Theme: Children’s Health: Tomorrow’s Wealth.
1983 Theme: Health for all by year 2000 AD: Countdown has begun.
1982 Theme: Add life to years.
1981 Theme: Health for all by year 2000 AD.
1980 Theme: Smoking or Health: Choice is yours.
1979 Theme: A healthy Child: A sure future.
1978 Theme: Down with High Blood pressure.
1977 Theme: Immunize and protects your Child.
1976 Theme: Foresight Prevents Blindness.
1975 Theme: Smallpox: Point of no return.
1974 Theme: Better food for a healthier World.
1973 Theme: Health begins at Home.
1972 Theme: Your Heart is your Health.
1971 Theme: A full life despite Diabetes.
1970 Theme: Early detection of Cancer saves Life.
1969 Theme: Health, Labor and Productivity.
1968 Theme: Health in the World of Tomorrow.
1967 Theme: Partners in Health.
1966 Theme: Man and his Cities.
1965 Theme: Smallpox – constant alert.
1964 Theme: No Truce for Tuberculosis.
1963 Theme: Hunger = Disease of millions.
1962 Theme: Preserve sight- prevent Blindness.
1961 Theme: Accidents and their prevention.
1960 Theme: Malaria eradication – A world challenge.
1959 Theme: Mental illness and Mental Health in the World of today.
1958 Theme: Ten years of Health progress.
1957 Theme: Food for All.
1956 Theme: Destroy disease carrying Insects.
1955 Theme: Clean water means better Health.
1954 Theme: The Nurse: Pioneer of Health.
1953 Theme: Health is Wealth.
1952 Theme: Healthy surroundings make Healthy people.
1951 Theme: Health for your Child and World’s Children.
1950 Theme: Know your Health Services.