Every year on April 7th, World Health Day is celebrated to commemorate the founding of the World Health Organization (WHO) and raise awareness about global health issues. This special day has been celebrated since 1950, and each year a different health theme is chosen to bring attention to pressing concerns.

The theme for World Health Day 2024 is "My Health, My Right". This theme aims to highlight the inequalities in access to healthcare and emphasize that living a healthy life is a fundamental human right.

According to the WHO, nearly half of the world's population lacks access to essential health services. This issue is particularly prevalent in impoverished nations, among minority groups, women, and children. Poverty, discrimination, geographical location, and war are just a few factors that exacerbate these inequalities.

Achieving a healthy life requires more than just access to healthcare. Access to clean water, food, shelter, and a safe environment are also important.

History and Significance of World Health Day:

The World Health Organization was established in 1948. World Health Day is celebrated every year on April 7th to commemorate the founding of the WHO. This day is a crucial opportunity to bring attention to global health issues and emphasize the importance of healthy living.

A different theme is chosen each year for World Health Day. These themes aim to focus on critical topics in the global health agenda and raise awareness about them.

Past themes for World Health Day:

• 2023: Invest in nurses and midwives for a healthier world
• 2022: Health for a fairer world
• 2021: Support healthcare workers
• 2020: Nurses and midwives: Leading the fight against COVID-19

World Health Day is a crucial reminder that we must all work together for a healthier world.

Soyli AHMEDOVA,
the 2^nd  year student of the Faculty of International Law
of the Institute of International Relations
of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan.