Photo Credit: Prepared following a summary of United Nations news. April 15 has been designated by the UN General Assembly as International Health Day. Starting this year, Nepal has proposed observing International Health Day across various countries worldwide. The day aims to inspire everyone to adopt affordable, accessible, and inclusive health practices. Kathmandu, 2 Baisakh. International Health Day is being observed today through various programs. From this year onward, led by Nepal, this day is being celebrated in multiple countries globally. The UN General Assembly declared April 15 as International Health Day to promote overall health, happiness, and a balanced lifestyle. The proposal to observe this health day annually was put forth by Nepal and approved by the General Assembly on 26 Falgun last year. The primary goal of this day is to motivate people towards adopting affordable, accessible, and inclusive health practices.
International Health Day is expected to make a significant contribution not only in treatment after illness but also in preventive measures, fostering a healthy lifestyle, people-centered health systems that save lives, reducing health expenditures, and controlling preventable diseases. The United Nations acknowledges the importance of indigenous peoples’ cultures, local communities’ traditions, and traditional knowledge, emphasizing that evidence-based traditional medical practices can strengthen health systems and promote overall health. According to the UN, this day aims to raise global public awareness, provide a platform for cultural exchange, and facilitate knowledge sharing. Various programs are also being organized as part of these celebrations. Highlighting the importance of individual health, happiness, and overall well-being, the UN has noted that previously declared international days such as International Day of Happiness (March 20), International Yoga Day (June 21), and World Meditation Day (December 21) also contribute to promoting holistic health.
Health is placed as a top priority under the third Sustainable Development Goal, aiming to ensure healthy lives for all age groups. Key priorities include maternal and child health, control of communicable and non-communicable diseases, access to essential medicines and vaccines, promotion of mental health, and reduction of health inequalities.
