World Health Day 2027 is on Wednesday

About World Health Day

World Health Day gives WHO a fixed moment each year to draw public and political attention to a single health issue. Past themes have included depression, diabetes, food safety, diseases spread by insects and other vectors, and universal health coverage. Health ministries, hospitals, schools and community groups hold screenings, talks and campaigns linked to the year's theme.

The date commemorates April 7, 1948, when WHO was founded. That same year the first World Health Assembly called for a World Health Day to mark the founding, and the day has been held every year since 1950.

WHO's constitution describes the highest attainable standard of health as a fundamental right of every human being, and the yearly themes usually connect back to that goal of health for everyone, everywhere. WHO also leads other global health campaigns, including observances for AIDS, tuberculosis and mental health, but World Health Day is the one tied to the organization's own birthday. Because the theme changes every year, the day tends to reach different groups each time, from people living with diabetes to workers in food safety.

Sources: World Health Organization: World Health Day, WHO Regional Office for Europe: World Health Day. How we check dates.

How to mark World Health Day

• Book a routine checkup, dental cleaning or vaccination you've been putting off.
• Read WHO's material on this year's theme and share one reliable fact with friends or family.
• Organize a walk, stretch break or healthy shared lunch at work or school.
• Thank a nurse, community health worker or other health professional you know.
• Save your local emergency number and the address of the nearest urgent care clinic in your phone.

World Health Day dates