FAST FACT This year’s theme for World Health Day is universal health coverage. The slogan is “Health for All,” and the hashtags that will be used are #HealthForAll and #WorldHealthDay. Celebrating World Health Day World Health Day falls on April 7. Here’s how you can get involved

BY JACKSON A. THOMAS

It’s been going steady for the last yoga as a part of healthy living.” their needs covered. Data 70 years, and there’s no sign of things Activities range from health fairs that from these systems indicates that these slowing down. provide a range of diagnostic screenings systems work — and that UHC is possi- Since April 7, 1948, the World to plays or film screenings that bring a ble, even in low-income countries.” Health Organization has been celebrat- health-related issue to life for an audi- ing awareness through ence, says Chase Crossno, an assistant MAKE YOUR MOVE World Health Day. This day of wellness professor of medical education at the If you’re looking to get involved and par- also marks the WHO’s founding, and University of North Texas Health Science ticipate this year, the WHO suggests: it’s seen as a chance to draw worldwide Center in Fort Worth. • Communicate your needs, opinions attention to a particularly important “It can also inspire school teachers to and expectations to local policymakers, subject each year. develop lesson plans highlighting World politicians and other representatives. Health Day in their classrooms, some- • Ensure your community-health A DAY OF WELLNESS times embracing the annual theme or needs are taken into account and priori- The first celebration was called the taking their own spin on it to promote tized at the local level, including through . According to healthy behavior with students,” she says. social media. the WHO, it organizes local, regional “It’s pretty awesome.” • Organize activities such as policy and international events related to This year’s theme is universal health debates, concerts, marches and inter- a theme. Past themes have included coverage. The slogan is “Health for All,” views to provide people an opportunity emerging infectious diseases (1997), and the hashtags that will be used are to interact with their representatives safe motherhood (1998), mental health #HealthForAll and #WorldHealthDay. on the topic of UHC via media and (2001), and how it affects The day will kick off a series of events social media. our health (2008), healthy hearts and through 2018 focused on universal And, Crossno says, people can chal- pressure (2013), (2015) health care, with the goal of “ensuring lenge themselves to learn just one and (2017). that everyone, everywhere can access thing about a particular health issue “In 2012, the theme was aging and essential quality health services without daily, “then perhaps take it a step health with the slogan ‘Good Health facing financial hardship,” according to further and engage their online com- Adds Life to Years,’” says Dr. Arve the WHO. munity in a dialogue about that fact,” Willingham of the Ross University “This is a big one,” Crossno says. “The she says. “For those ready to get out School of Veterinary Medicine, who pre- World Health Organization is grounded in their physical community, a person viously worked at the WHO’s Special in the idea that all people should be could organize a mobile blood collec- Program for Tropical Diseases Research able to realize their full health poten- tion in their community or volunteer and Training. tial. … Most high-income countries have with a needle exchange van. There are “Millions of people around the world established systems for universal health so many ways to engage with health participated in ‘yogathons’ in more than coverage, meaning nearly 100 percent of and wellness. A person just needs to 100 cities across the globe highlighting the population from these countries have find their fit.”