New York State Department of Health Celebrates World Health Day
World Health Day Observed April 7
"My Health, My Right" Marks This Year's Theme
ALBANY, N.Y. (April 5, 2024) – The New York State Department of Health celebrates World Health Day, observed April 7, to support global health awareness and promote health equality. This year's theme is "My Heath, My Right."
"World Health Day is a time to promote health equity among New Yorkers and raise awareness about health topics that affect people globally," State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said. "This year's theme, 'My Health, My Right,' reflects the significance of advocating for access to quality health services, information, and essential resources with freedom from discrimination. Health is a fundamental right."
Sponsored by the World Health Organization (WHO), World Health Day is celebrated by the Department and public health organizations worldwide each year. From its inception at the First Health Assembly in 1948 and since taking effect in 1950, World Health Day has aimed to create awareness of a specific health theme to highlight a priority area of concern for the World Health Organization. For more than 50 years, World Health Day has highlighted health issues such as mental health, maternal and child care, and climate change. The celebration serves as an opportunity to focus worldwide attention on aspects of global health.
The Department works to help New Yorkers achieve their best physical and emotional health.
The Department also recognizes that racism is a public health crisis and is committed to making New York State healthier for all New Yorkers, regardless of their race, ethnicity, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, language access, immigration, or socio-economic status.
The agency has implemented several programs and initiatives to give all New Yorkers access to quality health care and services such as disease prevention, reproductive care, maternal and child health, nutrition, and affordable health insurance programs.
