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What You Can Do on World Health Day

Anyone can get involved in World Health Day activities and make a contribution to improving the quality of life of families, women, and children across the region.

Individuals, organizations, governments and volunteers can:

  • Set up local community bulletin boards (in community centers, restaurants, schools, health centers, etc.) and post information about key issues affecting the health of mothers and children.
  • Work with schools, mothers' clubs, youth organizations and other groups to organize parades, competitions, street events, quizzes, and other events that will draw media attention and get your key messages out to large numbers of people.
  • Contact and persuade local and national celebrities to act as spokespersons for healthy mothers and children.
  • Carry out activities with the media highlighting key maternal and child health issues (for example, media briefings and media training workshops to improve coverage.)
  • Organize photo exhibits and other visual displays that focus on the health of mothers and children.
  • Work with other partners to organize debates on maternal and child health issues. Get key politicians, health authorities and other decision-makers to participate.
  • Educate yourself and others on how the media works and how to best use it as a resource for highlighting the issue. Forge alliances with national and local media to promote key messages about the most important health issues of mothers and children in your area.
  • Educate yourself on your rights and responsibilities. Learn what behaviors (proper nutrition, good prenatal care, cleanliness in the home, etc.) help ensure the health and survival of families in your community. Share what you learn with others in your community.
  • Be creative. Don't be afraid to plan and initiate innovative activities and to persuade others to join you.
  • Make your efforts ongoing. The more these activities continue over time, the less likely these lifesaving messages will be forgotten.

    • Get involved. Help save the lives of mothers and children.

    World Health Day 2005
    Too many children are dying. Too many mothers are dying. It is time to act.