Events in Volume 6 Issue 4 Oct-Dec 2021

Summary

The numerous international days, weeks and months are observed globally in the field of health to raise awareness of specific health matters of public health concern.

The following global and national health awareness days will be celebrated in the next quarter January-March, 2022.

World Leprosy Day January, 27

Everyday nearly 600 more people are diagnosed with and start treatment for leprosy. World Leprosy Day (WLD) is celebrated on the last Sunday of January.  This international day is an opportunity to celebrate people who have experienced leprosy, raise awareness of the disease, and call for an end to leprosy-related stigma and discrimination. The “United for Dignity” campaign calls for unity in honoring the dignity of people who have experienced leprosy. The campaign honors the lived experiences of individuals who have experienced leprosy by sharing their empowering stories and advocating for mental wellbeing and the right to a dignified life free from disease-related stigma.

World Cancer Day February, 2

An estimated 19.3 million new cancer cases and almost 10.0 million cancer deaths occurred in 2020. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), if the incidence of cancer continues to grow at the reported rate, the number of deaths worldwide from cancer will increase to more than 16.3 million by 2040.

The theme of this year is ‘Close the Care Gap’ and is about understanding and recognising the inequities in cancer care around the globe. This is the year to question the status quo and help reduce stigma; to listen to the perspectives of the people living with cancer and their communities and let those lived experiences guide our thoughts and actions.

World TB day March, 24

TB is the 13th leading cause of death and the second leading infectious killer after COVID-19 (above HIV/AIDS). In 2020, an estimated 10 million people fell ill and 1.5 million people died from TB tuberculosis (TB) worldwide in 2020.

World TB Day, falling on March 24th each year, is designed to build public awareness that tuberculosis today remains an epidemic in much of the world, causing the deaths of nearly one-and-a-half million people each year, mostly in developing countries.

The theme of this year’s World TB Day is ‘The clock is ticking.’ The time is now for national TB programs in high burden countries to urgently expand efforts and commit to carry out a mix of cost-effective, sustainable interventions.