Every year, on April 7th, World Health Day is celebrated to mark the inception of the World Health Organization (WHO) and bring attention to global health issues. It’s also an excellent opportunity to recognize the dedication of nurses worldwide who save lives daily.
After over 70 years of recognition, World Health Day has become one of the most celebrated days of the year. Millions of people across 150 countries observe this day. So, why is World Health Day so important? Read on to learn a little more about the history of World Health Day, its importance, and a few ways you can make a difference.
History of World Health Day
The idea for World Health Day originated from the First Health Assembly held by the World Health Organization in 1948. Since 1950, World Health Day is observed every year on April 7th. This day is a chance to raise awareness of issues related to global health.
To honor this significant day in history, the WHO organizes annual international, regional, and local events related to a particular theme. While the WHO provides a global theme, countries can tailor and prioritize themes based on their specific health situation. Similarly, celebrating this day allows individuals and organizations to mobilize political and social commitment and take action on important health issues at local, regional, and global levels.
Why Should We Celebrate World Health Day?
World Health Day is celebrated every year on April 7th to honor the World Health Organization’s founding, create awareness of health needs, and highlight a priority area of global concern. The WHO was born after two devastating world wars in response to an international need for global public health. World Health Day symbolizes global healing, bringing critical health concerns to light. World Health Day is also a chance to recognize health professionals dedicated to keeping the world healthy and safe.
What Does It Mean to Be a Healthy Person?
Health can be defined as the level of functional or metabolic efficiency of a living organism. For a human, “being healthy” is the general condition of a person’s mind, body, and spirit being free from illness, injury, or pain. The World Health Organization defined health broadly in 1946 as “a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” Although this definition has been controversial, notably lacking operational value, it remains one of the most acceptable definitions for health.
How to Make a Difference on World Health Day
World Health Day aims to bring awareness and attention to essential health issues worldwide. The World Health Organization selects a theme to highlight each year. Past themes have included mental health, universal health coverage, depression, etc. For example, the theme for World Health Day in 2019 was universal health coverage (UHC). UHC means all people can access quality healthcare services without financial hardship. The theme of World Health Day in 2023 was Health for All, which promoted the idea that everyone has the fundamental right to good health.
How to Recognize a Nurse on World Health Day
Nurses and midwives are at the forefront of many health services. In fact, according to Women in Global Health (WGH), women make up 70 percent of the health and social workforce, and nurses and midwives represent a large part of this population. A few ways to celebrate nurses during this World Health Day could be:
- Sending flowers to a registered nurse (RN) or midwife who showed a high level of dedication and commitment to their work this past year
- Highlighting nurses’ achievements on social media platforms
- Attending a health conference with a nurse friend concerning a health topic of interest
- Hosting a special breakfast for the nurse(s) in your life by pampering them with hot coffee, fresh-squeezed juice, and a buffet-style breakfast
Additionally, telling a nurse you appreciate them on World Health Day can go a long way. You can find more creative ways to say thank you to nurses here.
Celebrate World Health Day Every Year
Every year, April 7th brings awareness to specific health issues worldwide. The WHO also uses this day to examine how governments, civil society, and individuals can work together to improve living conditions, promote healthy lifestyles, and prevent disease in their communities. Ultimately, World Health Day is an awareness initiative with a straightforward goal: encouraging people and communities to take steps toward a healthier lifestyle. Through advancing education, continual awareness, and specific contributions, health efforts can positively affect society at large.
Are you a nurse or a nursing assistant? Contribute to the well-being of your community by providing healthcare where it is needed most. Help Nursa put a nurse at the bedside of every patient in need by picking up high-paying, flexible PRN nursing jobs that fit your schedule.
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