Prof (Dr.) Vikas Sharma & Dr. Abeeda Mushtaq
Health is the greatest treasure a human being can possess. It is the silent force that powers our thoughts, fuels our actions and colors every experience in life. Without good health, all other achievements such as education, career, relationships and aspirations lose their foundation. The value of health becomes undeniable when it begins to falter, revealing just how essential it is for both personal well-being and the progress of society. It affects not only the physical body, but also the emotional, social and economic stability of individuals and nations. Recognizing the vital importance of health and the urgent need for global cooperation in improving it, World Health Day was established. Celebrated each year on April 7th, this day marks the founding of the World Health Organization in 1948. The first World Health Day was celebrated in 1950, two years after WHO was established. It was created at a time when the world was still healing from the devastation of the Second World War and grappling with widespread poverty, illness and loss. The need for an international body that could unify health efforts and support countries in building strong public health systems was more urgent than ever. The birth of the World Health Organization was a promise that health would no longer be a privilege of the few, but a right for all.
World Health Day was envisioned not merely as a celebration, but as a yearly reminder of that promise. It was meant to spark conversations, raise awareness and inspire action on critical health challenges affecting humanity. Over the decades, the themes chosen for World Health Day have reflected the changing needs of the world, from eradicating deadly diseases and addressing mental health to strengthening health systems and tackling climate-related health threats. These themes are not just symbolic; they act as a mirror to our shared struggles and a guide toward solutions. The creation of World Health Day highlighted a powerful truth: health must not be seen as an individual concern alone, but a collective responsibility. Diseases do not respect borders and neither should our compassion or our response to health crises. By setting aside a day to reflect on global health, the world was taking a stand against silence, neglect and inequality in healthcare.
In the present day, the relevance of World Health Day has only grown. We live in a time when modern medicine has made extraordinary advances, yet millions still lack access to basic healthcare. Life-saving treatments exist, but they remain out of reach for the poor and marginalized. Diseases that are preventable continue to claim lives simply because people cannot afford treatment or are not aware of the solutions. In many parts of the world, communities face double burdens, battling both infectious diseases and the rising tide of non-communicable conditions such as diabetes, hypertension and cancer. Mental health, though deeply intertwined with physical well-being, is still surrounded by stigma and neglect in many societies. Meanwhile, climate change is emerging as one of the most significant threats to global health, as rising temperatures increase the spread of disease, reduce food security and contribute to natural disasters that displace millions.
The COVID-19 pandemic further exposed deep cracks in global health systems. It served as a painful reminder that preparedness is not just about medical equipment, but about trust, cooperation and equity. The world witnessed how the lack of investment in public health infrastructure and unequal distribution of resources can lead to catastrophe. Vulnerable populations, especially in low-income regions, suffered the most. The lessons learned from the pandemic continue to shape how we approach health challenges, with a renewed focus on universal health coverage, healthcare access and the mental well-being of individuals.
This year, the theme of World Health Day is “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures.” It is a call to action that emphasizes the importance of starting life on the right foot with access to quality healthcare, clean environments and supportive communities. The message is simple yet powerful. If we want a better future, we must begin by giving every child the best start in life. Health does not begin at adulthood, it begins before birth. When pregnant women receive proper prenatal care, balanced nutrition and emotional support, their babies have a much greater chance of being born healthy. These early investments pay dividends far into the future. A child who is healthy is more likely to grow, learn and participate meaningfully in society. A healthy beginning leads to stronger families, more resilient communities and ultimately, more peaceful and productive nations.
Unfortunately, a healthy start is still out of reach for far too many. In many parts of the world, women give birth without medical assistance, sometimes in unsanitary and unsafe conditions. Access to clean water, nutritious food and vaccinations remains limited in numerous regions. Millions of children suffer from preventable illnesses, malnutrition, or lack of early education simply because their communities lack the resources to support them. These early disadvantages often translate into poor academic performance, reduced job opportunities and lifelong health issues. The cycle of poverty and ill health continues, not because children lack intelligence or ambition, but because they were never given the fair start they deserved. This is not a failure of individual effort. It is a failure of systems and structures that should protect the most vulnerable.
The theme also draws attention to the critical role of mental and emotional well-being in shaping a child’s future. A healthy beginning is not only about physical health. It is about feeling safe, loved and valued. Children who grow up in nurturing environments where they are emotionally supported and mentally stimulated are better prepared to handle life’s challenges. Yet in many places, mental health is overlooked and children facing trauma or neglect are left without help. Raising awareness about emotional wellness, creating safe spaces for children and supporting parents through education and resources are just as important as providing vaccines or clean water. To truly honor the theme of “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures,” societies must commit to long-term investments in maternal and child health. This includes strengthening healthcare systems, training healthcare workers, ensuring that essential medicines and nutrition are accessible and integrating health education into schools and communities. It also requires governments and policymakers to prioritize health in budgeting and planning. But most of all, it requires a shift in mindset from treating health as a cost to recognizing it as a foundation for development. Health is not just a medical issue. It is a matter of human dignity, equality and justice.
World Health Day is not just a date to observe. It is a chance to recommit ourselves to building a healthier world, one where no child is born into disadvantage, where every family has access to care and where the promise of a better future is not limited by geography or income. The road ahead is long and the challenges are many, but the vision is clear. By ensuring healthy beginnings, we do not just heal bodies, we build hope. We give every life a chance to flourish and we light the path toward a future that is not only healthier, but more compassionate, more inclusive and more just for all.
(The authors are from the Division of Biochemistry, FBSc., SKUAST-Jammu)