Some of the Biggest Official World Health Days
- World TB Day
- World Health Day
- World Malaria Day
- World No Tobacco Day
- World AIDS Day
As the chief international body responsible for public health, the World Health Organization (WHO) sponsors various awareness events for notable diseases throughout the year. Many of these take the form of official health days, but some broader issues are recognized for an entire week or month. While the WHO recognizes dozens of health issues throughout the year, there are only a handful of official public health days as mandated by the international community.
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1. World TB Day
Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious and potentially deadly infection caused by the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacterial species. The pathogen primarily impacts the lungs in humans, but it can also have profound effects on the digestive system and other organs. While the disease was once prevalent throughout the globe, it is now most common in less-developed countries and regions without access to proper medical care. The official World TB Day, celebrated annually on March 24, recognizes the continuing struggle against a crippling and life-threatening illness.
2. World Health Day
April 7 marks one of the biggest official international health initiatives: World Health Day. This event not only draws general interest in public health issues, but also to issues surrounding the WHO itself. In recent years, the day has been used to build awareness and support for pursuing universal health coverage. Accessibility and cost of medical care are typically among the many issues presented during World Health Day.
3. World Malaria Day
Malaria may not be a pressing health concern in the United States or Europe, but roughly half the world’s population is at risk of contracting the disease. There were over 200 million cases of malaria across the globe in 2016 alone and nearly 500,000 fatalities related to the disease in the same year, according to the World Health Organization. Recognized on April 25 of each year, World Malaria Day is an opportunity to educate people around the globe about the real risks posed by a dangerous disease.
4. World No Tobacco Day
World No Tobacco Day, recognized on May 31, is designed to draw public attention to the negative effects of cigarette and tobacco use. Regular consumption of tobacco products has been linked to lung cancer, heart problem, and many other serious health issues. Each annual health day focuses on a different health issue associated with tobacco, with cardiovascular concerns being the chief topic of the 2018 health day.
5. World AIDS Day
December 1 marks one of the most high-profile WHO health initiative: World AIDS Day. Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) describes a broad range of health conditions caused by an active infection of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). While there has been remarkable advances in management and treatment techniques, the disease still represents a serious threat and can become a life-long issue for those infected. World AIDS Day not only focuses on analysis and treatment of the disease, but also on breaking the social stigma connected to it.
Global health days are a simple and memorable way for the international medical community to spread potentially life-saving information to a global audience. The official health days recognized by the World Health Organization are just one way the organization educates and connects with the public.
