Each year we commemorate World TB Day on March 24 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 […]
World Health Day, celebrated on 7 April 2025, will kick off a year-long campaign on maternal and newborn health. The campaign, titled Healthy beginnings, hopeful futures, will urge governments and the health community to ramp up efforts to end preventable maternal and newborn deaths, and to prioritize women’s longer-term health and well-being. WHO and partners […]
World Immunization Week, celebrated in the last week of April, aims to highlight the collective action needed and to promote the use of vaccines to protect people of all ages against disease. Learn more.
25 April is World Malaria Day. The 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.
World Hand Hygiene Day is an international event aimed at promoting the visibility and sustainability of hand hygiene in health care, and to bring people together in support of hand hygiene improvement around the world. 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.
The World Food Safety Day celebrated on 7 June aims to draw attention and inspire action to help prevent, detect and manage foodborne risks, contributing to food security, human health, economic prosperity, agriculture, market access, tourism and sustainable development. 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.
World Sickle Cell Day marked every June 19 is an international awareness day aimed at increasing the public's knowledge and understanding of sickle cell disease and its challenges. Learn more.
Southern Africa Region Profile Southern Africa AFENET region is diverse and is known for its rich cultural heritage, varied landscapes, and significant natural resources. Major countries include South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Lesotho, Eswatini, Mozambique, Malawi and Angola. The region has a mixed economy with agriculture, mining and tourism as vital sectors. South Africa […]
Commemorated on July 11 is a global observance dedicated to raising awareness about population issues, including family planning, gender equality, poverty, maternal health, and human rights. Established by the United Nations, this day serves as a reminder of the importance of investing in people and supporting sustainable development. Learn more.
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. Learn more.