World Health Day 2022: when is it, what is this year’s theme, why we celebrate and WHO founding explained

World Health Day takes place every year, but why is it celebrated and what is this year’s theme?

Here’s what you need to know.

What is World Health Day?

World Health Day is celebrated every year to commemorate the anniversary of the founding of the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1948.

The primary role of WHO is to direct international health within the United Nations’ system and to lead partners in global health responses.

Each World Health Day, a theme is chosen that highlights an area of priority concern for WHO.

When does World Health Day take place?

World Health Day takes place every 7 April. This year it will land on Thursday 7 April 2022.

What is this year’s theme?

This year, in the face of the Covid pandemic, a polluted planet and an increasing incidence of diseases, the theme for World Health Day 2022 is ‘Our Planet, Our Health’.

The WHO website said: “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.”

How can I get involved?

Health issues and access to healthcare have been greatly campaigned for by people all over the world on World Health Day.

This year’s theme will be highlighted across the globe in schools, seminars, workshops and discussion forums.

Outdoor activities such as hiking and cycling are often organised, as well as charity events and fundraisers.

Through the ‘Our planet, Our Health’ campaign, WHO will urge governments and the public to share stories of steps they are taking to protect the planet and their health, as well as prioritising wellbeing societies.

The hashtag for this year’s event is #HealthierTomorrow.