Every year on 7th April World Health Day is celebrated to commemorate the anniversary of the founding of the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1948 in Geneva. And each year a theme is chosen to highlight a priority concern for WHO and in fact for the whole world. In the face of the ongoing pandemic, a polluted planet, and the increasing incidence of diseases, the theme for World Health Day 2022 is 'Our Planet, Our Health'. The focus is on 'a green and healthy recovery from the COVID 19 pandemic that puts the planet and the health of individuals at the center of actions,' a WHO official said.
Origin of World Health Day
In December 1945, Brazil and China proposed the creation of an international health organization that is absolutely independent from the powers of any government. On July, 1946, New York, the constitution of WHO was approved. The constitution finally came into force in April 7, 1948, when 61 countries signed an agreement for the inception of WHO. World Health Day was created and celebrated first on July 22, 1949, but later changed to April 7 to mark the establishment of WHO.
Our Planet, Our Health
On 7th April every year, the unparalleled value of physical, mental and emotional well being is promoted and celebrated. The day provides an opportunity to WHO to shine light on important public health issues affecting the global population. In the past decades, improvement in health services, protection of environment and economic development has led to better health conditions all over the world. 'However, air and water pollution, and poor sanitation, including solid waste management, risks of hazardous chemicals, climate change are some of the pressing environmental public health threats that require immediate attention,' WHO states.
Working Together
This 2022 World Health Day theme is a powerful reminder that the resolution of the aforementioned issues is much beyond the scope of the health sector. It requires the active participation of whole governments and whole societies. A collective action needs to be taken for 'clean air, safe water, and sanitation, where healthy food is available to all, cities are livable, economies are climate-resilient and focused on health and well-being.' We need to build a world where all people, including the poor and vulnerable, live longer, happier lives and thrive in it.
How we can celebrate it
Our Planet, Our Health, the theme should be highlighted in schools, seminars, workshops, and discussion forums. Awareness should be created all over India, but especially in the poor regions. Cleanliness drives and provision of better wastage disposal and improved sanitation should be made available in these regions. Public transport should be encouraged along with restrictions on a family using more than one car. Also, there should be a total ban on environment polluting substances such as polythene bags that cause major land and water pollution. Tree plantation drives are an easy way to improve air quality. 'Each one, Plant one/ can be the slogan of India on World Health Day wherein offices, societies, schools, and colleges collectively participate to make Mother Earth a breathable place.