World Health Day: building a fairer and healthier world

World Health Day takes place every April 7 to remind us that the fight for equitable distribution of health services is still far from over. Thus, between pandemics and catastrophes, it has been shown that not everyone has the same opportunities to overcome adversity. This leaves a scenario in which it is imperative to make changes.

The commemoration of this day has allowed progress in different areas since 1950, when it began to be celebrated at the initiative of the World Health Organization (WHO). However, in 1948 the day was already established as a starting point to deal with the greatest problems that endanger people's lives.

As the health issue is so broad with numerous affectations, each season a specific action plan is targeted. Making this clear, it is time to know the objectives of the celebration and how it is possible to contribute. Keep reading!

Goals of World Health Day

During World Health Day, specific goals are set, represented in the form of slogans. There are also the invariant general objectives. The latter are essential to understand the maximum purpose of the plans that are carried out. Among the fundamental pillars are the following:

• Raise public awareness about health inequality. The intention is to expand the information about the great shortcomings of some sectors, so that wills are added to help.
• Sensitize. Increase the level of empathy towards those affected.
• Fundraising. The collection of donations for investment in the treatment of diseases that affect a large number of individuals and others that have been forgotten.
• Promote healthy habits. Many of the diseases can be prevented with harmful lifestyle changes; modification that is sought to encourage during the celebration.
• Lobby world leaders. Activities are planned to promote the action of the highest leaders in order to guarantee reliable official data, provide support to the most vulnerable and extend the ties of brotherhood outside their borders.

It may interest you: 5 healthy habits to prevent chest pain

Building a fairer and healthier world

For World Health Day 2021 the selected slogan is "Building a fairer and healthier world". The global crisis resulting from the pandemic has made visible the weaknesses of the health systems of most countries. In addition, the critical vulnerability of some sectors to any health threat was made clear.

In this sense, the goal in this course is to encourage leaders to make the necessary public investment in health. The imminent derivation of the aforementioned would be that all people have the right to be treated and, in this way, avoid anticipated deaths.

In short, the conjunction of justice and health they end up resulting in both indiscriminate and timely care. Thus, the World Health Organization (WHO) has taken a step forward in health responsibility by expressing on its official website:

"WHO is committed to ensuring that all people, everywhere, can exercise their right to good health."

Previous topics

World Health Day often requires topics of great public interest to reduce deficiencies. Considering that the celebration began in 1950, the total of subjects that have been approached is extensive. Therefore, we will focus on the themes less remote in time, among which are the following:

• 2010: "A thousand cities, a thousand lives".
• 2011: "Antimicrobial resistance: if we don't act today, there will be no cure tomorrow."
• 2012: "Good health adds life to the years."
• 2013: "Check your blood pressure".
• 2014: «Small bites, big threats».
• 2015: "Food safety".

• 2016: "Beat Diabetes: Step Up Prevention, Improve Care, and Strengthen Vigilance".

"Let's talk about depression"

In 2017, the celebration of World Health Day focused on depression and the importance of communicating what you are experiencing. Suicide was exposed as one of the main causes of death in people between 15 and 29 years of age. The foregoing, in many cases, derives from depressive symptoms.

"Health for all"

The 2018 task was to promote universal health coverage in the countries with the greatest backwardness. At the same time, fortify and consolidate the health systems that have taken important steps towards open care for their inhabitants.

"Universal health, for everyone and everyone everywhere"

During the 2019 campaign, the importance of specialized medical care reaching all sectors, regardless of the economic difficulties of individuals, was reiterated. The request of the WHO was that people never again have to choose between food and health.

"Let's support nursing and midwifery personnel"

Come to the year 2020, a path was taken to elevate the work done by nursing and midwifery professionals. In addition, the nerve center was to increase economic support and supplies to this sector to amplify the highest quality health response.

Read also: 10 tips to live in physical and mental balance

How can I contribute to World Health Day?

The ways to contribute on this special day are diverse, since remote activities are available to everyone. Some interesting initiatives are the following:

• Disseminate official WHO information on World Health Day and preventive measures of some diseases in the networks.
• Use any of these tags on social networks with a message that contributes to improving people's habits: #WorldHealthDay, #HealthDay, #HealthyMind, #HealthyBody, #HealthyFood, #HealthDayCelebrations, #HealthDayIdeas and #HealthyLife.

• Participate in aid campaigns in clinical centers in your community.
• Make donations to low-income sectors to treat serious ailments.
• Attend virtual conferences, talks or symposia.

Final thoughts on World Health Day

Modifying in depth the care that the health systems encompass in all countries is the ultimate goal of World Health Day. Nevertheless, small individual actions are the ones that gradually tip the balance. In that sense, if it is within your means to support a treatment, taking action is the first phase of change.

Lastly, recognizing, advocating, and supporting health needs in your community can help accelerate action by leaders. It is always a good time to think about your health!