Anuska Sen, Team BioXone
❓Not feeling well for a few days? Consult a doctor.
❓Concerned about your blood sugar and cholesterol levels? Get them tested now.
❓Going through an emotional turmoil for quite some time now? Seek professional help.
All of these seem quite simple, right? Thanks to the innumerable health and well-being facilities available in today’s world.
History of World Health Day (Inception of WHO)
Going back to 1948, all countries of the United Nations joined hands to establish the first-ever international organization concerning public health and well-being. On the 7th of April 1948, the World Health Organization (WHO) formally came into force and henceforth, this day has been observed as World Health Day (WHD) every year. The priorities of the World Health Assembly were to control the spread of deadly diseases such as tuberculosis, malaria, and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). One of the major objectives of the assembly was to raise the standards of maternal and child healthcare facilities. It also aimed to improve the nutritional status of people and work towards the betterment of overall social hygiene (Charles 1968).
Logo of the World Health Organization. It contains the “Rod of Asclepius” which symbolizes healing (Source: https://www.who.int/about/policies/publishing/logo)
The theme of World Health Day 2023
On World Health Day 2023, WHO celebrates its 75th Foundation Day. The theme for this year’s WHD is “Health for All”- 75 years of improving public health. The primary aim of the theme is to provide equal access to healthcare facilities for people from every sector of society, irrespective of their societal and financial status. Another objective for this year’s theme is to let the world look back and appreciate the various accomplishments in the health sector that have helped improve the quality of life over the past seven decades.
However, it has been reported that even today, ~30% of the world’s population lacks access to basic health amenities. Also, about 2 hundred crore people, all around the globe are unable to avail good treatment options owing to their economic hindrances. Thus, the world needs further policies such as the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) plan to provide financial security to people from every financial background to avail of healthcare facilities.
Let us pledge today to play an instrumental role in society to work towards a better tomorrow with improved physical, social, and emotional well-being.
Also read: National Science Day 2023: History and Significance
References:
- Charles J. (1968). Origins, history, and achievements of the World Health Organization. British medical journal, 2(5600), 293–296. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.2.5600.293
- 75 years of improving public health. WHO. https://www.who.int/campaigns/75-years-of-improving-public-health
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