_{By Tatenda Chimbwanda}

World Health Day, commemorated every year on April 7, marks the anniversary of WHO’s founding in 1948 and promotes good health and wellbeing. This year, in addition to drawing attention to Health for All, the theme of the commemoration, WHO is also celebrating 75 years of promoting and improving public health.  

Because the 7th of April coincided with the Easter celebrations, Zambia only officially celebrated WHO’s successes and the World Health Day on April 12, 2023, at the Mulungushi Conference Centre in Lusaka. 

The World Health Organization (WHO) recently conducted a Joint Operational Review (JOR) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from March 27th to March 31st, 2023. The review aimed to assess WHO's humanitarian response to northern Ethiopia and drought emergencies, identify gaps, challenges, and best practices, and integrate them into the next phase of the response and recovery plans. 

As we commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the World Health Organization (WHO) on 7 April 2023 under the theme of The 2023 World Health Day  "Health for all" , we pause to take stock of public health milestones. We also pause to take stock of current and future challenges, and the need to collectively ensure that the most vulnerable and furthest behind have access to quality, essential health care services.   

Harare, Zimbabwe – This World Health Day, the World Health Organization (WHO) is celebrating its 75th anniversary. Established in 1948 by countries around the world, WHO's mission is to promote health, ensure global safety, and serve the vulnerable, with the ultimate goal of achieving the highest level of health and well-being for all. With a presence in over 150 offices and working with 194 Member States across six regions.  

Close to 1.3 million people, from previously inaccessible areas of Tigray were reached with lifesaving COVID-19 vaccination following a two-phase campaign.

The first round of the vaccination campaign, which was conducted in January 2023 benefited more than 113,000 people in the towns of Wukro, AbiAdi, Adigrat, Maichew and Mehoni towns. Conducted in the months of February and March 2023, the second round of the campaign, on the other hand, benefited more than 1.2 million people from 64 previously inaccessible woredas of the region.

Addis Ababa, April 7, 2023 – In 1948, countries came together and founded the World Health Organization (WHO) to promote health, keep the world safe and serve the vulnerable – so everyone, everywhere, can attain the highest level of health and well-being.