2022.03.23
World Health Day, April 7
April 7th marks World Health Day, a reminder of the founding of the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1948. The theme for World Health Day 2022 is Our planet, our health and draws attention to the importance of investing in health and ensuring access to the right care at the right time for all. The theme will also be put in context to learn from insights gained in connection with the Covid19 pandemic.
The pandemic showed us the possibilities of science, but also shed light on how unfairly resources are distributed. Breaking structures that are destructive to the planet and human health requires legislative action, corporate reforms, and individuals who are supported and incentivized to make healthy choices.
The climate crisis is also a health crisis. The WHO estimates that more than 13 million deaths worldwide each year are due to avoidable environmental causes. This includes the climate crisis, which is the single greatest health threat facing humanity.
Our political, social and commercial decisions are driving the climate and health crisis. According to the WHO, over 90% of people breathe unhealthy air as a result of burning fossil fuels. A warming world is seeing mosquitoes spread disease further and faster than ever before. Extreme weather events, land exploitation and water scarcity are displacing people and affecting their health.
The WHO also reports on how pollution and plastic are found at the bottom of our deepest oceans, the highest mountains, and have made their way into our food chain. Systems that produce highly processed, unhealthy foods and drinks are driving a wave of obesity, increasing cancer and heart disease while generating a third of global greenhouse gas emissions.
At the same time, there is a power and development that shows how you as an individual and at a company or societal level can make more conscious choices. Feel free to be inspired by APPLiA's articles on the theme of health and sustainability!
Read more about World Health Day at WHO.
