WORLD HEALTH DAY
The date of 7 April marks the anniversary of the founding of WHO in 1948. It is celebrated annually and each year draws attention to a specific health topic of concern to people all over the world.It is celebrated annually and each year draws attention to a specific health topic of concern to people all over the world.
In 2022, the theme of World Health Day is "Our Planet, Our Health".
Are we able to reimagine a world where clean air, water and food are available to all?
Where economies are focused on health and well-being?
Where cities are liveable and people have control over their health and the health of the planet?
In the midst of a pandemic, a polluted planet, increasing diseases like cancer, asthma, heart disease, on World Health Day 2022, WHO will focus global attention on urgent actions needed to keep humans and the planet healthy and foster a movement to create societies focused on well-being.
WHO estimates that more than 13 million deaths around the world each year are due to avoidable environmental causes. This includes the climate crisis which is the single biggest health threat facing humanity. The climate crisis is also a health crisis.
We have only one planet. Our health depends on it just like its health depends on us. Rising temperatures and floods caused by climate change will put 2 billion people at risk of dengue. Environmental factors including climate change claim 13 million lives every year. 2 billion people lack sage drinking water causing 829 000 people to die from diarrhoea every year while air pollution kills 13 people every minute causing diseases like lung cancer, heart disease ans strokes. Keep fossil fuels in the ground. Reimagine our health, society and economy. Reimagine our world. We only have one planet. We need it and it needs us.
What can you do to protect our planet and our health?
Corporations:
- Switch off lights after working hours.
- Support teleworking when possible.
- Remove highly processed and packaged foods from the workplace.
- Reduce the greenhouse gas emissions of your activities.
- Protect, promote and support breastfeeding. Breastfeeding is healthy and sustainable food for babies.
- Ensure safe water is accessible for workers.
- Health workers and health facilities:
- Support efforts to reduce health care waste.
- Provide sustainably grown local food and ensure healthy food choices by reducing sodas and highly processed and packaged food in health facilities.
- Decarbonize health facilities.
- Identify opportunities to save energy.
- Ensure safe clean water at health facilities.
- Support purchase of environmentally friendly products that are easily recyclable or reusable.
- Advocate for health to be at the centre of climate change policies
- Mayors promote: Promote energy efficient buildings.
- Engage low-carbon public transport.Build new bike lanes and footpaths.
- Protect biodiversity and create new parks and gardens.
- Switch to renewable energy for municipal operations.
- Ensure low-income households and health care facilities have access to clean, affordable energy.
- Partner with the local business community to support sustainability.
- Regulate the marketing of unhealthy foods and beverages in public spaces.
Individuals:
- Share your story: our planet, our health.
- Raise your voice and demand climate actions to protect your health.
- Take action, inspire others” – join our five-point plan:
- Walk or pedal to work at least one day a week. Choose public transport.
- Change to a renewable energy provider; don’t heat your rooms over 21.5C; turn off the light when not in the room.
- Buy your fresh groceries from local producers and avoid highly processed foods and beverages.
- Tobacco is a killer and a polluter. Stop consuming tobacco.
- Buy less plastic; use recyclable grocery bags.
（From the WHO article）
