Image Credit: World Health Organization
Today we celebrate World Health Day 2014, founded in 1948 by the World Health Orgainzation (WHO). The theme for this year’s anniversary is “Vector-borne Diseases.” Vector-borne diseases are illnesses caused by organisms that transmit pathogens and parasites from one infected person (or animal) to another. Commonly found in tropical areas where access to safe drinking water and sanitation systems is problematic, the most deadly vector-borne disease is malaria. The Day provides an opportunity for individuals in every community to get involved in activities that can lead to better health.
According to the World Health Organization, “WHO is the directing and coordinating authority for health within the United Nations system. It is responsible for providing leadership on global health matters, shaping the health research agenda, setting norms and standards, articulating evidence-based policy options, providing technical support to countries and monitoring and assessing health trends.”
World Health Day will spotlight some of the most commonly, notorious vectors: sandflies, bugs, mosquitos, ticks and snails. This campaign will help to raise awareness about the threat posed by vectors and vector-borne diseases. To learn more about World Health Day, click here to visit their website.
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