World Health Day

World Health Day History

World Health Day seeks to raise awareness about a major global health concern selected by the World Health Organization. This day aims to increase awareness about the selected health concern and hopes to encourage countries to focus their resources on addressing it.

The World Health Organization (WHO) was founded on April 7, 1948 to better address the needs of global health issues. Every year, the WHO Assembly meets in Geneva, Switzerland to choose a major global health concern and promote it through World Health Day in the hopes of increasing awareness and preventing more cases. World Health Day is observed annually on April 7th.

Facts about World Health Day

• The theme for World Health Day in 2024 was My health, my right. The theme in 2022 was Our Planet, Our Health.
• According to the World Health Organization, 58% of deaths in children under age five are caused by infectious diseases with pneumonia being the highest cause of those deaths.
• According to the Centers for Disease Control, 47% of Americans have high blood pressure. High blood pressure costs the U.S. $131 billion each year.
• According to the CDC, in 2022, there are roughly 37.3 million Americans (1 in 10) who have diabetes. It is estimated that 8.5 million people have no been diagnosed.
• Good health adds life to years - World Health Organization (WHO) 2012 slogan.

In the News and Trending in the US for World Health Day

Top things to do in the US for World Health Day

• Get your blood pressure checked! High blood pressure is a silent killer known to massively increase the risk for heart disease and stroke.
• Play sports or exercise. Exercise raises the heart rate, burns calories, releases endorphins, and helps with leading a healthier lifestyle.
• Reduce salt and alcohol consumption. Alcohol consumption in large amounts has been associated with an increase in heart diseases, brain damage, cancers and liver diseases. Salt consumption in large amounts has been associated with heart diseases, decreased brain functions and kidney problems.
• Book an appointment for your annual check up.
• Learn to recognize the symptoms of diabetes. See your doctor and discuss your risk of diabetes.