From the Editor
Our cover story this week is on World Health Day. The World Health Organization (WHO) was formed on April 7, 1948. Since then, the organisation has carried out a huge amount of valuable work, including the global eradication of small pox and the implementation of a wide range of public health strategies. Now 194 countries are members and the organization is still working to improve many aspects of health around the world.
At the First World Health Assembly in 1948, the delegates called for a World Health Day to mark the anniversary of the founding of the World Health Organisation (WHO). This has been held on April 7 every year since 1950. The day is used to draw attention to particular priorities in global health. World Health Day is an annual event on April 7.
The slogan of this years (2016) World Health Day is Beat diabetes: Scale up prevention, strengthen care, and enhance surveillance. World Health Day is a global observance and not a public holiday.
Various local, national and international events are arranged to educate the public and policy makers about the specific aspect of the World Health Organisations work. This event receives plenty of media coverage.
A toolkit is provided by WHO for those who wish to plan events but emphasizes that these should be suitable for the local cultural, social and economic conditions. Example of events include conferences for health workers, briefing for local politicians, and informational displays for children and young people. Public marches (rallies), demonstrations, as well as free or easy access to medical tests, can also take place on the day.
