WHO urges action for health on World Health Day 2023

The World Health Organization (WHO) today calls on people everywhere to renew their commitment to working together and supporting science as the twin engines driving better health, under the World Health Day 2026 theme: “Together for health. Stand with science.” The campaign marks the anniversary of WHO’s founding on 7 April 1948, launching a year-long public health campaign.

Human health has been profoundly transformed over the past century, largely due to scientific progress and international collaboration. The global maternal mortality rate has fallen by more than 40% since 2000, and deaths among children under five have been reduced by over 50%. Advances in technology, scientific knowledge and skills, and collaboration between different disciplines, sectors, and countries continue to turn once-life-threatening health challenges – such as elevated blood pressure, cancer diagnoses, or HIV infection – into manageable health issues, extending and improving lives worldwide.

Yet, health threats continue to grow, fueled by climate impacts, environmental degradation, geopolitical tensions, and shifting demographics. These challenges include persistent diseases and strained health systems, as well as emerging diseases with epidemic or pandemic potential. Across the globe, thousands of scientists – together with organizations such as WHO – are accelerating research and developing the policies, tools, and innovations needed to protect communities today and safeguard the health of future generations.

"Science is one of humanity’s most powerful tools for protecting and improving health," said Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization. "People in every country live longer and healthier lives on average today than their ancestors did, thanks to the power of science. Vaccines, penicillin, germ theory, MRI machines, and the mapping of the human genome are just some of the achievements that science has delivered that have saved lives and transformed health for billions of people."

Scientific innovations are most impactful when they are broadly embraced and utilized. Each advancement in enhancing human health is a testament to the combined efforts and teamwork of scientific organizations, policymakers, healthcare professionals, and the public. For instance:

For 78 years, WHO has convened global scientific organizations at the forefront of global health and scientific transformation. For example:

In line with the World Health Day 2026 theme, the WHO and the G7 Presidency of France are organizing a One Health Summit in Lyon, France, from April 5 to 7. This summit will bring together Heads of State, scientists, and community leaders to enhance coordinated action.

WHO will host the Global Forum of its Collaborating Centres network from April 7 to 9, bringing together representatives from over 800 academic and research institutions across more than 80 countries. These Centres play a vital role in supporting WHO’s research, technical assistance, and capacity-building efforts on a global scale.

"Science transforms uncertainty into understanding and reveals the pathways to protect and heal our communities," said Dr. Sylvie Briand, WHO Chief Scientist. "Without the clarity of rigorous scientific inquiry, we risk being led by bias and misconception – and too often toward treatments that fail us or even place us in harm’s way. Today, we must stand together with science so that our collaboration is sustained, supported, and enhanced for the better health of generations to come."

WHO emphasizes that science must continue to guide health decision-making at all levels. WHO and its partners generate and translate evidence across a wide range of health priorities, from infectious diseases and chronic conditions to mental health, nutrition, and environmental risks, supporting countries in delivering effective and equitable care.

Achievements in global health demonstrate that when nations come together in support of science, they not only react to crises in a more effective manner but also establish stronger and more equitable health systems for the future. The WHO urges governments, institutions, and individuals to persist in their support and collaboration on scientific endeavors, ensuring that evidence-based practices inform health policies and everyday choices.