World Health Day

On this World Health Day, Africa joins the global call: “Together for health. Stand with science.” The longer lives, effective prevention and life-saving treatments we value today are the result of decades of scientific progress. Across Africa, science is driving practical solutions that improve lives and contribute to global health. African scientists, institutions and communities have played a vital role in shaping responses to major health challenges. The rapid development and deployment of Ebola vaccines during outbreaks in West and Central Africa demonstrated the power of research rooted in local partnerships. Genomic sequencing in South Africa enabled the early identification of new COVID-19 variants, informing global responses. And the establishment of WHO-supported mRNA vaccine technology transfer hubs is paving the way for Africa to produce its own vaccines. Through science we are not only solving African problems, but helping shape global solutions. Across the Region, public...

“ Together for health. Stand with science ” is a call to action the world must heed. In these geopolitically fraught times, in which science and multilateralism have been facing strong headwinds, reflecting on their vital importance for our common future is crucial. Advancing the One Health approach—which recognizes that the health of people, animals, plants, and ecosystems are interdependent—requires that policies and action be grounded in science, not conjecture. It also requires international cooperation, because pandemics, antimicrobial resistance or the nefarious impacts of biodiversity loss, pollution and climate change do not stop at national borders. The science is clear. The diversity of genes, species and ecosystems constitutes a foundational determinant of the health of nature and all people. We know, for instance, that biodiversity loss is exacerbating infectious disease outbreaks that account for approximately 16 per cent of all deaths globally, and 44 per cent of deaths ...

World Health Day 2026 calls on all of us to stand with science. Science is the cornerstone of everything we do in health. It helps us understand diseases, develop vaccines and treatments, and deliver care more efficiently and affordably—making services more equitable and accessible. It enables better, evidence-based decisions and helps protect communities from the growing health risks linked to conflict, climate change and disease. This year’s theme—“ Together for health. Stand with science ”—reminds us that evidence alone is not enough. We need trust, cooperation and sustained investment to turn knowledge into action. Across our Region, health workers and scientists are working every day, often in the most difficult conditions, to save lives and strengthen systems—supported by WHO’s global network of over 800 collaborating centres. On this World Health Day, let us stand with them. Stand with science—for a healthier, safer future for all. Dr Hanan Balkhy

Prevention and preparedness for future health threats requires more than technical solutions – it depends on trust, transparency, collaboration and engagement with communities. As Dr Holohan emphasizes, building resilience means working closely with populations, strengthening understanding and ensuring people are equipped to act on scientific advice. “ And without that trust in science, that togetherness and solidarity, we can’t effectively implement the measures that, based on scientific research, we know are likely to work,” he says. A One Health approach brings these elements together, ensuring that science, systems and societies work as one to protect health.

This year’s World Health Day , 7 April 2026, kick-starts a year-long campaign to celebrate the power of scientific collaboration to advance health, save lives and transform societies. This includes using science to protect the health of people, animals, plants and the planet. Human health is inextricably linked and interdependent with that of domestic and wild animals, plants and the wider environment, necessitating an integrated approach to sustainably balance and optimize the health of all of these elements – a so-called One Health approach. “Health security begins where humans, animals and the environment meet, ” explains Dr Ihor Perehinets, Health Security and Regional Emergency Director, WHO/Europe. “The COVID-19 pandemic taught us that it is not a question of if new health threats will emerge but when, so protecting human health requires strengthening all the systems that sustain life, through incorporating nature and biodiversity into health policy and investing in laboratorie...

 One Health Approach: The campaign emphasizes that human, animal, and environmental health are interdependent, requiring integrated surveillance and action to prevent future pandemics.   April 7th , Celebration of the  World Health Day 2026 .  Pan American Health Organization .

  Under the theme "Stand with Science"; The WHO calls on governments, scientists, and communities to rebuild trust in science, combat misinformation, and make decisions based on evidence.   April 7th , Celebration of the  World Health Day 2026 .  Pan American Health Organization .

Scientific Collaboration: The observance will highlight the work of WHO's network of over 800 collaborating centers (one-third of which are in the European region) that drive research and technical assistance.   April 7th , Celebration of the  World Health Day 2026 .  Pan American Health Organization .

  Global Moments: The 2026 celebrations are anchored by the International One Health Summit in France (April 5–7) and the inaugural Global Forum of WHO Collaborating Centres (April 7–9) April 7th , Celebration of the  World Health Day 2026 . Pan American Health Organization .

On World Health Day 2026 , we unite and mobilize the region under the theme “ Together for Science ” celebrating the power of scientific collaboration to protect the health of people, animals, plants, and the planet. This year we spotlight scientific achievements, One Health, and the multilateral cooperation needed to turn evidence into action.

Choose evidence. Trust facts. Support science-led health, for people, animals, and the planet. World Health Day 2026 ; April 7th .

  Ask a health question that matters to you. Share how science helps solve it. Join the global conversation with #StandWithScience and #WorldHealthDay.

  Governments and institutions are called to strengthen investment in science, support WHO’s normative role, and embed evidence in health, climate, food, and environmental decision-making.

Collaborating Centres and the scientific community are mobilized to make science accessible and understandable, share clear explanations of evidence, engage with the public, and serve as visible, trusted voices championing facts and science-based solutions.

Show patients and communities how science guides care, and why evidence saves lives.

  On World Health Day 2026 , we call on researchers, health authorities, funders, institutions, and communities to join forces “ Together for Science ”— to foster innovation research and ensure that every health decision is guided by the strongest evidence. Science saves lives. It improves health and wellbeing and strengthens economies. Over the past decade, PAHO Member States have greatly strengthened their scientific capacity. Dr Jarbas Barbosa.