WORLD HEALTH DAY! WE MUST PARTICIPATE ..

World Health Day, on 7 April, is an opportunity to draw attention to a subject of major importance to health. In 2008, World Health Day is focusing on the need to protect health from the adverse effects of climate change.

The theme protecting health from climate change puts health at the centre of the climate change.

Through increased collaboration, the global community will be better prepared to cope with climate-related health challenges worldwide. Examples of such collaborative actions are: strengthening surveillance and control of infectious diseases, ensuring safer use of diminishing water supplies, and coordinating health action in emergencies.

Aims and objectives of World Health Day 2008

The objective of World Health Day 2008 is to public participation in the global campaign to protect health from the adverse effects of climate change. WHO aims to put public health at the centre of even in Indian agenda on climate change.

Involve as wide a spectrum of the world population as possible in efforts to stabilize climate change;
Create advocacy campaigns for generating momentum that compels governments, the international community, civil society and individuals to take action;
Protect poor and vulnerable populations from the effects of climate change.

Goals for World Health Day 2008

Raise awareness and public understanding of the global and locally relevant health consequences of climate change.

Advocate for interdisciplinary and intersectoral partnerships from the local to international level that seek to improve health through rapid deployment of mitigation strategies to stabilize climate change and development of proactive adaptation programmes to minimize health impacts.

Generate effective actions by local communities, organizations, health systems and governments to reduce the impact of climate change on health through urgent application of mitigation and adaptation techniques.

Demonstrate the health communitys role in facing the challenges globally and in regions, countries and communities.

Spark commitment and action among governments, international organizations, donors, civil society, businesses and communities (especially among young people) to anchor health at the heart of the climate change agenda.

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.

Key messages for World Health Day :

1. Threats to health know no borders.

2. Invest in health, build a safer future.

3. Health leads to security; insecurity leads to poor health.

4. Preparedness and quick response improve international health security.

5. The World Health Organization is making the world more secure

Climate change is already happening in india and worldwide

All societies are now vulnerable to climate change. The first alarming examples include the 44 000 deaths caused by the heat-wave. The changes in the geographical distribution of some vector-borne infectious diseases, such as those carried by ticks and tiger mosquitoes, and the altered seasonal distribution of some allergenic pollen species.

Health effects are likely to increase with rising temperatures. Nevertheless, many can be avoided or controlled through action in health-related sectors such as transport and water management. WHO/india presents a range of options to help prevent, prepare for and respond to the health effects of climate change.

Countries can also plan adaptation measures (to reduce effects) to help their citizens cope with new threats.

Health systems play an important role in putting in place measures to prevent and respond to climate-related threats to health. For example, they can:

· strengthen existing public health approaches to control disease and protect health;

· anticipate effects and detect them early; and

· inform the public.

THESE ARE FEW INFORMATION WE LIKE TO SHARE WITH U

Dr. Sunita Dube

Working for betterment of life

Consulting Radiologist & Sonologist.

Managing Director & Chairperson.

(ARYAN MEDICAL & EDUCATIONAL TRUST 80G Reg.)

Special Executive Officer of Maharastra Govt.