Yahoo News World Health Day 2024: what is the theme and when is it celebrated?
World Health Day is back for 2024 with a message marking the importance of access to treatment.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) celebration is held on the same day every year and always carries a theme. This year, this considers climate change, conflict, and disease impacts.
“The WHO Council on the Economics of Health for All has found that at least 140 countries recognize health as a human right in their constitution,” the WHO said.
“Yet countries are not passing and putting into practice laws to ensure their populations are entitled to access health services. This underpins the fact that at least 4.5 billion people — more than half of the world’s population — were not fully covered by essential health services in 2021.”
Here is what you need to know about the event.
Health is included as a human right in the constitutions of 140 countries, yet billions are still denied this fundamental right in practice. It's time for action to bridge this gap.
This #WorldHealthDay and every day, let’s fight for #MyHealthMyRight pic.twitter.com/DcfR4Jjyev— World Health Organization (WHO) Western Pacific (@WHOWPRO) April 3, 2024
What is World Health Day?
The WHO started World Health Day upon its inception.
The organisation says: “In 1948, countries of the world came together and founded  the WHO to promote health, keep the world safe, and serve the vulnerable — so everyone, everywhere can attain the highest level of health and wellbeing.”
The day aims to raise awareness of health concerns and celebrate advancement.
World Health Day is always held on April 7, which is on Sunday this year.
What is the World Health Day 2024 theme?
The theme for World Health Day 2024 is “My health, my right”.
The message comes during famine, conflict and dangers created by climate change to health.
The WHO said: “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.”
How is World Health Day celebrated?
The WHO and its partner organisations sponsor the day. It is the oldest of 11 official global health campaigns the WHO holds annually.
The WHO will spread its message in a multimedia campaign, so check out social media for more information.
You can get involved by sharing the hashtag #myhealthmyright
For more information, visit the website here.
