World Health Day: a look at wellbeing in the digital age

The first Sunday of April marks United Nations World Health Day 2024, and this year’s event feels significant for many reasons. 

A sobering statistic encompasses the heart of its narrative…

Just three years ago, 4.5 billion people (more than half the world’s population) still weren’t covered by any type of essential health services. 

140 of the 198 countries that participate in the WHO Council on the Economics of Health for All say they recognise ‘health as a human right’ in their constitutions. Sadly, they aren’t doing enough to ensure that their citizens have appropriate access to basic healthcare services. In an age that’s becoming increasingly driven by technology, things have got to change. 

At PHP we want to highlight World Health Day by looking at wellbeing in the digital age.

This year’s event takes place on the 7th of April – a significant date, as it marks the founding day of the World Health Organisation in 1950. The purpose of choosing this day is to highlight the fact we’re all living through tumultuous times. Events we have witnessed globally over the last few years, have shown us how fragile our health ecosystem can be. 

‘My Health, My Right’ is the theme for 2024 and it’s a bold and brilliant campaign – championing the right for everyone – wherever they live in the world, to have:

• access to good quality healthcare services
• a decent education
• adequate healthcare information

What forms the backbone of all of this? Access to the following: 

• safe drinking water
• clean air
• good nutrition
• quality housing
• decent working environments
• safe, clean environmental conditions
• freedom from discrimination

There are so many ways we can make a difference individually – not just on this one day, but every day. Small steps can have a huge impact in the long run, so think about what you can personally do to mark World Health Day UK:

• Take charge of your wellbeing: Find time to do things that matter to you – whatever they may be – whether it’s art, reading a good book, or simply enjoying quiet time alone to recharge. 
• Promote healthy habits: Make sure you’re drinking enough water, getting the right amount of sleep, and eating well to support your immune system. If you have health concerns, chat with a healthcare professional about positive steps you can take. 
• Prioritise mental health: Practice mindfulness exercises, try diaphragmatic breathing to help combat stress, or look at journaling as a way of releasing your innermost thoughts. If you are struggling mentally, reach out and talk to your GP who can help you access talking therapy. 

We can also think about our wider world…ways to assist the work of those around us. Engage with your local community and find out which World Health Day activities they’re taking part in, such as: 

• supporting local health initiatives
• spreading awareness
• advocating for change

Why not take a look at your local authority and see what they’re doing to mark the event, raise awareness, and share the love? Even simple actions like sharing hashtags #worldhealthday or #phpsupportsworldhealthday can do a lot to raise awareness. We’d love to know what you’re doing to get involved. 

Here at PHP, we strive to put digital innovation at the heart of all we do. Ensuring all our patients get the best possible healthcare. 

How do we do this? 

We’ve developed and streamlined some amazing digital solutions such as: 

• medication management apps
• telehealth consultations
• homecare medication delivery

These mean we can offer joined-up healthcare solutions that put the patient at the very heart of the process. 

There’s no denying the world still has a long way to go, as we take steps towards ensuring everyone has access to the healthcare that they need. More than ever, there is a requirement for global cooperation to address world health challenges. 

World Health Day is an opportunity to get discussions started – to implement achievable plans. And PHP backs this fully.