World Health Day
- April Dykes
- 4月7日
- 読了時間: 6分
“When health is absent, wisdom cannot reveal itself, art cannot manifest, strength cannot fight, wealth becomes useless, and intelligence cannot be applied.” – Herophilus
Health is so easy to forget in the hustle and bustle of life, and we often take it for granted. Yet it is the very thing we have that allows us to do all that we do and love to do. Today, we celebrate World Health Day and the ways science and health can go hand in hand to advance medicine and eradicate disease.
Who is WHO?
In 1945, following the end of WWII, the United Nations was created with 5 goals in mind:
Maintain International Peace and Security
Protect Human Rights
Deliver Humanitarian Aid
Support Sustainable Development and Climate Action
Uphold International Law
While these 5 goals addressed many issues the world was facing immediately following the war, they missed one more aspect: global health. “In April 1945, during the Conference to set up the United Nations (UN) held in San Francisco, representatives of Brazil and China proposed that an international health organization be established and a conference to frame its constitution convened. On 15 February 1946, the Economic and Social Council of the UN instructed the Secretary-General to convoke such a conference” (WHO). These proposals led to the creation of a global health organization on April 7, 1948. This organization became known as the World Health Organization (WHO).
Since its conception, WHO has centered around the following principles:
Health is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.
The enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health is one of the fundamental rights of every human being without distinction of race, religion, political belief, economic or social condition.
The health of all peoples is fundamental to the attainment of peace and security and is dependent on the fullest co-operation of individuals and States.
The achievement of any State in the promotion and protection of health is of value to all.
Unequal development in different countries in the promotion of health and control of diseases, especially communicable disease, is a common danger.
Healthy development of the child is of basic importance; the ability to live harmoniously in a changing total environment is essential to such development.
The extension to all peoples of the benefits of medical, psychological and related knowledge is essential to the fullest attainment of health.
Informed opinion and active co-operation on the part of the public are of the utmost importance in the improvement of the health of the people.
Governments have a responsibility for the health of their peoples which can be fulfilled only by the provision of adequate health and social measures.
In simple terms, WHO handles global health emergencies. It tackles endemics and pandemics using its global team, promotes healthy lifestyles, and does whatever it can to prevent diseases and their spread. To ensure their mission is met, WHO has created many initiatives that have led to the eradication of smallpox as well as the creation and spread of vaccines that have saved millions of lives. If you’re interested in a more in-depth look at WHO’s initiatives, you can check out the list on their official website here
World Health Day
In the same year that WHO was created, the United Nations hosted the first World Health Assembly in Geneva from June 24th to July 24th. It was at this assembly that World Health Day was created with the goal of raising global awareness about urgent health issues. With that goal in mind, there has been a yearly theme in place since the holiday’s first celebration. From its first theme of "Know Your Health Services" to its 2026 theme of “Together for Health. Stand with Science”, every theme has sought to arm the public with the knowledge on available resources, diseases, and prevention.
This year’s theme is a reflection of the digital age we find ourselves in: “Together for Health. Stand with Science.” What exactly does this theme mean and hope to achieve?
Under the theme “Together for health. Stand with science”, this year’s observance launches a year‑long campaign celebrating the power of scientific collaboration to protect the health of people, animals, plants, and the planet. The campaign spotlights both scientific achievements and the multilateral cooperation needed to turn evidence into action – through a strong focus on the One Health approach.
Anchoring the 2026 campaign are two major global moments: the International One Health Summit (7 April), hosted by WHO and the Government of France under the French G7 Presidency, and the inaugural Global Forum of WHO Collaborating Centres (7–9 April), gathering nearly 800 scientific institutions from over 80 countries. Together, these events form the largest scientific network ever convened around a United Nations agency, underscoring how science‑driven partnerships can build a healthier, safer future for all.
The campaign invites people everywhere to participate – by celebrating scientific achievements, engaging with evidence, sharing personal stories of how science improves lives, and joining the global conversation through #StandWithScience” (WHO Southeast Asia).
NPOS THAT SUPPORT HEALTH/ CONNECT TO THE 2026 THEME
Whether you are someone who wants your medical care to be rooted in scientific research or just want to have a healthy lifestyle, we can all agree that access to medical care should be accessible and affordable. The organizations below support healthcare and medical advancements locally and globally.
The International Life Sciences Institute (ILSI Japan), a non-profit organization, was established in 1981. As a member of ILSI, it plays a part in its global activities while also actively addressing issues unique to Japan.
ILSI Japan's objectives
ILSI Japan conducts activities aimed at elucidating and disseminating information on scientific issues related to health, nutrition, food safety, and the environment, based on the latest reliable science, while promoting international harmony. Its activities aim to contribute to the improvement of nutrition and health, food safety, and the environment for people in Japan and around the world.
ILSI Japan's activities
Types of activities at ILSI Japan
(1) Activities to promote health, medical care, or welfare
(2) Activities to promote social education
(3) Activities to conserve the environment
(4) Activities for international cooperation
(5) Activities to promote the healthy development of children
SHARE (Citizens' Association for Global Health) is an international cooperation NGO in the field of global health, founded in 1983 by doctors, nurses, and students who took action from a grassroots perspective.
SHARE (Citizens' Association for International Health Cooperation) is a Japanese-based international cooperation NGO that began its activities in the field of international health in 1983. Currently, it mainly focuses on two projects:
International health support activities in three countries (Cambodia, East Timor, and Japan)
Policy advocacy and public awareness activities.
VISION
Health for All!
We aim to create a world where everyone can live a healthy life.
MISSION
We support people in difficult circumstances in improving their own health.
We work together to eliminate inequality and injustice, and we make a global impact.
ACTION
1. Building the foundation: International health support
2. Changing the system: Policy recommendations and public awareness campaigns
The purpose of this NPO is to research the various issues arising between healthcare and society from a governance perspective and to disseminate the results to society. In doing so, we place great importance on actually working as stakeholders on the ground. This is because there are things that can only be seen by acting as stakeholders.
For example, since the Great East Japan Earthquake, we have continued to provide medical and radiation countermeasures support in the Hamadori region of Fukushima Prefecture, and in doing so, we have consistently adhered to the policy of making decisions together with the residents.
By making decisions together with the residents amidst insufficient information, a relationship of trust with the residents is built, and the accumulation of such decisions becomes valuable evidence. Please see " Activity Record
Doctors Without Borders (Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF))
Doctors Without Borders (MSF) is a private, non-profit medical and humanitarian aid organization. It provides emergency medical assistance to people facing crises such as conflict, natural disasters, and poverty, maintaining an independent, neutral, and impartial stance.
Doctors Without Borders (MSF) was founded in France in 1971, and its Japan office was established in 1992. In Japan, MSF recruits and dispatches personnel to participate in aid activities, conducts witnessing and public relations activities to raise awareness of humanitarian crises and medical needs, and raises funds to support medical activities on the ground.
Alongside providing medical aid, Doctors Without Borders' mission also includes "witnessing activities" to raise awareness among society about the humanitarian crises they witness firsthand on the ground.
MSF was founded to uphold human dignity, protect lives, and help alleviate suffering. We support those in need and provide assistance so that they can rebuild their lives and create their own futures.
Our core activity is medical care. We treat people in crisis, wherever they may be, and protect their health. If that alone is not enough to save lives, we may also take measures such as providing water, sanitation facilities, food, and temporary housing.
Today, take a moment and do a check-in. Are you drinking enough water? Are you getting enough sleep and exercise? Are you eating healthily? Do you visit the doctor regularly? Are you taking care of your mental health?
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IMAGE 3 https://www.wellable.co/blog/world-health-day-who-public-health-success-employee-health-support/
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