What is World Health Day?

National awareness days occur almost every day of the year, encouraging us to celebrate or learn more about a particular subject. Some days are fun and a little bit silly, while others shine a spotlight on topics that affect people worldwide. One such day is World Health Day, and today, we’re sharing a little more about it.

World Health Day illustration on blue background

What is World Health Day?

World Health Day is a globally recognised awareness day that that has been celebrated on the 7th of April every year since the first World Health Assembly in 1948. Organised and sponsored by the World Health Organisation (WHO), the day is held for two main reasons. The first is to mark the World Health Organisation’s founding – a special agency responsible for international health within the United Nations. And secondly, to shine a light on important health issues faced today. Each year they choose a different theme, with previous years including the support and celebration of nurses and midwives (2021), depression (2017), and diabetes (2016).

World Health Day 2021 - Building a Fairer, Healthier World

In the UK, when we’re sick, we can call up the doctor and make an appointment, thanks to the NHS. However, worldwide access to health services and medical care is not so easy in some places. Barriers could be caused by where someone lives, how much money they have, or even their age. This World Health Day, the WHO wants to build a fairer, healthier world and call upon leaders to ensure that good living conditions and good health is possible for all. At the same time, they want to ensure everyone has access to quality health services no matter where they are.

How Can You Show Your Support?

Contact your local health charities and see how they are marking the day. They may be looking for volunteers!
Write to your local politician or leaders and ask how they support the WHO in their fight to build a fairer, healthier world.
Share the message on social media! Whether you have ten followers or 10,000, sharing, posting, and educating others on the importance of the awareness day helps!
Lastly, take care of your own health! Take your own measures to stay healthy and alleviate the strain on your local medical services.

Health Services at Superdrug

At Superdrug, we are here for you all year round to help support your health. We offer a range of online and in-store health services ranging from the flu jab and STI tests to high blood pressure medication and fertility testing.