Today, April 7th, observed as World Health Day and also the foundation day of the World Health Organization (WHO), headquartered in Geneva. This day serves as a platform to draw attention to the pressing health issues affecting populations worldwide.
The theme for the 2024 World Health Day is ‘My Health, My Right,’ emphasizing the essential right to access quality healthcare services, education, clean water, air, nutrition, shelter, and a safe environment for all individuals. The goal is to enhance healthcare provisions across the globe and ensure these fundamental rights are upheld.
Established on April 7, 1948, the World Health Organization was a culmination of efforts initiated by the United Nations and China dating back to 1945. India joined as a member on January 12, 1948, among the initial 61 countries. Today, the WHO comprises 194 member countries.
World Health Day sees various health-related events organized worldwide, reflecting on the WHO’s historic campaigns. Notably, the WHO’s successful drive to eradicate smallpox stands as a landmark achievement. Initiated in 1958, this campaign, spearheaded by Viktor Zhdanov, Deputy Minister of Health for the Soviet Union, culminated in the WHO declaring smallpox eradicated in 1979, marking the first time a disease was eradicated globally through collective efforts.
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