World Health Day on 7 April marks the founding of the World Health Organization (WHO). It is an occasion to raise awareness of key global health issues. This year's theme is international health security. The aim of the Day is to urge governments, organizations and businesses to "Invest in health, build a safer future".
A high-level global debate took place in Singapore on 2 April 2007, in advance of the Day, to raise the profile of international health security.

- Video: Debate on International Health Security [wmv 9:14 min]
- Read Dr Chan's speech from debate
- Read about the high-level global debate
- Issues paper: Invest in health, build a safer future

Helping to make the world more secure When a disease outbreak strikes, WHO ensures that countries have rapid access to experts and resources for outbreak response through the Global Outbreak Alert & Response Network (GOARN). This network of national and international partners offers a collective response to mitigate risks and dangers to health. :: Read more about GOARN :: Video: Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network (GOARN) [wmv 1:08 min]

SPOTLIGHT

UN Secretary-General
Message for World Health Day 2007

Heroes for Health Battle SARS
See in photos how Singapore fought SARS in 2003

The JW Lee Centre for Strategic Health Operations
WHO's nerve centre for collaboration and coordination
Video [wmv 1:14 min]

PREVIOUS WORLD HEALTH DAYS

In 1948, the First World Health Assembly called for the creation of a "World Health Day" to mark the founding of the World Health Organization. Since 1950, World Health Day has been celebrated on the 7th of April annually. Each year a theme is selected for World Health Day that highlights a priority area of concern for WHO.
World Health Day is a worldwide opportunity to focus on key public health issues that affect the international community. World Health Day launches longer-term advocacy programmes that continue well beyond 7 April.
The following links provide an overview of the past World Health Days:

- 2007: World Health Day (International Health Security)

- 2006: Working together for health

- 2005: Make every mother and child count

- 2004: Road safety

- 2003: Shape the future of life

- 2002: Move for Health

- 2001: Mental Health: Stop Exclusion, Dare to Care

- 2000: Safe Blood Starts with Me

- 1999: Active Aging Makes the Difference

- 1998: Safe Motherhood

- 1997: Emerging Infectious Diseases

- 1996: Healthy Cities for Better Life

- 1995: Global Polio Eradication