World Health Day 2022: Our Planet, Our Health

The theme for this year’s World Health Day is “Our Planet, Our Health.” This is a topic that speaks to each of us, no matter who we are or where we live. It reminds us that human health is affected by myriad factors and that without a healthy planet, we cannot have good health ourselves.

At a time when we are faced with a multitude of crises - a climate crisis; a humanitarian and food crisis stemming from the war in Ukraine; a global pandemic; an obesity crisis; and a biodiversity crisis to name but a few – the task of improving planetary health may seem overwhelming. However, common solutions can be developed to address many of the underlying causes.

The relationship between humans and the planet in term of health is bi-directional. Our consumption levels, transport choices, agricultural practices, urban development, and waste disposal patterns can affect human health both directly and indirectly through damage (e.g. pollution) to the health of the planet. Infectious diseases, non-infectious diseases (NCDs), vector-borne diseases, death and injury (e.g. from natural disasters) and mental health illnesses can all have risk factors associated with the health of the planet.

Turning towards the future and the challenge posed by the World Health Organization (WHO) to “reimagine a world where clean air, water and food are available to all,” Health Focus is looking forward to working with our partners across the globe to improve the health of the planet and create societies focussed on well-being.