The first ever International Day of Epidemic Preparedness is commemorated on 27 December and aims to advocate the importance of the prevention of preparedness for and partnership against epidemics. Learn more.
In May 2021, the World Health Assembly (WHA) recognized 30 January as World Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD) Day through decision WHA74(18). This decision formalized 30 January as a day to create better awareness on the devastating impact of NTDs on the poorest populations around the world. The day is also an opportunity to call on everyone to support the […]
The theme for World Wetlands Day is “·Wetlands and human wellbeing”. Its goal is to highlight how all aspects of human well-being are tied to the health of the world’s wetlands -physical, mental, and environmental. Learn more.
In 2012, the UN General Assembly designated February 6th as the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation, with the aim to amplify and direct the efforts on the elimination of this practice. To promote the elimination of female genital mutilation, coordinated and systematic efforts are needed, and they must engage whole communities […]
Each World TB Day is commemorated on March 2024 to raise public awareness about the devastating health, social and economic consequences of tuberculosis (TB) and to step up efforts to end the global TB epidemic. The date marks the day in 1882 when Dr. Robert Koch announced that he had discovered the bacterium that causes […]
7 April is World Health Day It is celebrated annually and each year draws attention to a specific health topic of concern to people all over the world. The date of 7 April marks the anniversary of the founding of WHO in 1948. Learn more.
World Immunization Week, celebrated in the last week of April, aims to highlight the collective action needed to protect people from vaccine-preventable diseases. Learn more.
World Malaria Day is an occasion to highlight the need for continued investment and sustained political commitment for malaria prevention and control. It was instituted by WHO Member States during the World Health Assembly of 2007. Learn more.
This yearly celebration informs the public on the dangers of using tobacco, the business practices of tobacco companies, what WHO is doing to fight the tobacco epidemic, and what people around the world can do to claim their right to health and healthy living and to protect future generations. Learn more.
Every year countries around the world celebrate World Blood Donor Day (WBDD) on June 14. The event serves to raise awareness of the need for safe blood and blood products and to thank voluntary, unpaid blood donors for their life-saving gifts of blood. Learn more.
Declared through the April 2021 UN General Assembly Resolution A/RES/75/273 “Global drowning prevention”, World Drowning Prevention Day is held annually on 25 July. This global advocacy event serves as an opportunity to highlight the tragic and profound impact of drowning on families and communities and offer life-saving solutions to prevent it. An estimated 236,000 people […]
World Hepatitis Day, 28 July, is an opportunity to step up national and international efforts on hepatitis, encourage actions and engagement by individuals, partners and the public and highlight the need for a greater global response as outlined in the WHO's Global hepatitis report of 2017. Learn more.