World Health Day 2023

World Health Day on 7 April marks the WHO Constitution's entry into force in 1948 and highlights a different public-health priority each year.

World Health Day is observed on 7 April, the anniversary of the day in 1948 when the Constitution of the World Health Organization came into force and WHO formally began its work. The First World Health Assembly called for an annual health day, and the observance has been held on 7 April since 1950. Rather than focusing permanently on one disease, each year highlights a major public-health challenge or goal. Past themes have addressed subjects such as maternal and child health, infectious diseases, mental health, universal health coverage, environmental risks and health equity. The day also reflects WHO's broad understanding of health as more than the absence of illness and draws attention to the social conditions that shape whether people can live healthy lives. Governments, hospitals, schools and health organisations use the occasion for public information, screening, professional discussions and campaigns that translate a yearly theme into practical action and longer-term health policy.

The World Health Organization's Constitution entered into force on 7 April 1948. World Health Day, observed annually since 1950, draws attention to changing global health priorities, from disease prevention and vaccination to access to care and environmental risks. An annual WHO theme gives each year's campaign a specific focus; a calendar should not hard-code an old theme as though it applies every year. Effective observance involves accessible health information, strong primary care and public-health action rather than ceremonial greetings alone.

Promotes evidence-based public health, prevention, equitable care and attention to the WHO's annually selected theme.

Health education, public-health campaigns, community screening where appropriate and policy discussion; no religious rituals.

Worldwide on 7 April; WHO chooses annual campaign themes, so calendar content must not present an old year's theme as current.