World Health Day

What Is World Health Day?

Every April 7th is "World Health Day." It is an international day established by the World Health Organization (WHO) to mark its founding on April 7, 1948, as a United Nations specialized agency dedicated to promoting and protecting the health of all people. Each year, a theme is chosen based on a pressing global health issue, giving people around the world an occasion to reflect on—and act on—the "right to health."

The Definition of Health and the WHO's Journey

The concept of "health" put forward by the WHO greatly broadened earlier thinking.

• A comprehensive concept of health: The WHO Constitution defines health as "a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity." This definition is widely referenced as a basic idea in preventive medicine, mental health care, and social welfare.
• The eradication of smallpox: One of the WHO's great achievements is the 1980 declaration of the global eradication of smallpox. It is regarded as the only human infectious disease ever eradicated worldwide, showing what international cooperation in public health can achieve.

World Health Day and Japan

Looking at the background of World Health Day also reveals Japan's ties with the WHO.

• WHO headquarters: The WHO is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. It sets global health standards and coordinates responses to infectious diseases, among other roles.
• Japan's membership: Japan joined the WHO in May 1951, ahead of joining the United Nations itself in 1956. That means Japan has taken part in the international health framework since shortly after the war.
• A new theme every year: Each World Health Day has its own theme, and campaigns and events based on it are held in countries around the world.

Interesting Facts About Health Worldwide

• The origin of the word "health": It comes from the Old English "hǣlþ," which is said to share a root with "whole" and "holy." This overlaps with the idea of seeing a person as a complete "whole" rather than as separate body parts.
• Universal Health Coverage (UHC): The idea that everyone should be able to access the health services they need without financial hardship. It is one of the WHO's priority goals.
• The WHO emblem: The WHO's emblem places the "Rod of Asclepius" (a staff with a snake wound around it), a symbol of medicine, at the center of the United Nations emblem.
• A new fiscal year and health: In Japan, April marks the start of the new fiscal year. It's a good time to review your health, as daily routines tend to change.
• The gap between lifespan and healthy lifespan: The modern challenge isn't only living longer, but extending "healthy life expectancy"—the years lived in good physical and mental independence. Narrowing this gap is considered important for both individuals and society.

Tips for Spending World Health Day

• Look back on your diet, exercise habits, and sleep, and start just one new habit you can keep up easily—like walking 10 minutes more or eating vegetables first
• Amid your busy days, set aside even five minutes of doing nothing to rest your mind
• Check in with someone close to you and ask, "How have you been lately?" to reaffirm your connections with others
• Take a step toward health beyond yourself by booking a health checkup or joining a blood donation drive

A Healthy Mind and Body Are the Foundation for New Challenges

April 7th is a day to tend to the foundation of your daily life. Health is not only a means to achieve things—it's also the ground on which you enjoy each day. Reaching the WHO's vision of "complete well-being" takes not just discipline, but also rest when you need it. Listen to the small signals your body sends, and give your mind enough rest as well. Pause for a moment amid the busyness of the new fiscal year, and start with what you can do to make the year ahead a comfortable one for your mind and body.