World Health Day

On April 7^th cities across the world will "be part of a global movement to make cities healthier." Since 1950 the World Health Organization has been celebrating World Health Day Annually on April 7^th of each year with a theme that highlights an area of concern for WHO.  This year's campaign "1000 cities- 1000 lives" is calling for cities to host health activities to improve the health of their communities. Events will take place for April 7^th- April 11^th at various locations around the world.

WHO states "Urbanization: one of the greatest health challenges in the 21st century." Here are some facts as to why health among people in cities is the theme for this year's event:

• Over half of the world's population lives in cities
• Urbanization is related to many health challenges
• The speed of urbanization (especially in developing countries) has outpaced the ability of the government to build essential infrastructure
• The urban poor suffer disproportionately from a wide range of diseases and other health problems.

For more information on an event near you or to sign up your city go to the World Health Organization's 1000 cities website. (Statistics are cited from this site)