Everything about World Health Day – 7th April
We live a very busy and fast life. In our fast routine, most of us don’t give importance to our health. A few of the diseases we inherit from our ancestors, and some of them are because by stress and environmental pollution. To deal with the issues of the health of the entire human world, health day is celebrated on 7 April each year. Why 7th April? This day is celebrated on 7th April because the World Health Organization was established on 7th April 1948. This year, the theme of this day is Our Planet, Our Health The objective of this day is to give attention to the world’s global health issues and make a planet healthy for human survival.
According to estimates by the WHO, over 13 million deaths around the world are due to environmental pollution. This environmental pollution is causing global warming, which is a great threat to human life and causes many health issues.
Air Pollution in Developing Countries
No doubt, air pollution is a global problem, but it is hitting developing countries more than developed countries and the situation is getting worse day by day. The World Health Organization is working to know the reasons for this pollution. According to one of their reports, the residents of big cities in middle and low-income countries face more pollution challenges.
The alarming thing is that four out of five cities around the world have such an environment that does not meet the WHO air quality levels. The statistics show that 98% of people living in poor and developing countries and 56% of people that live in developed countries are breathing in polluted air. This causes three million deaths every year. Regardless of WHO instructions for air pollution, the pollution level is still increasing in developing countries and is causing ailments like heart disease, stroke, lung cancer, and many other ailments.
China and India are included in the worst polluted countries. The Database of WHO shows that Zabol is the city of Iran and is the most polluted city in the world. In this city, people are inhaling toxic air which is less than 2.5 µm across. These toxic particles are so small in the area that they pierce into the bloodstream and lungs causing heart attack and disease related to the lungs. People that are prone to lung disease and asthma are at a high stake of death.
How to Combat the Air Pollution in Developing Countries
Breathing the air pollution is not under the control of humans. To purify the air, action should be taken by city officials and national governments. To provide solutions to air pollution in developing countries, industrialization zones must be made outside the cities, and they should develop standards for air pollution. Going for electric cars, a system for better waste management, energy production from the solar system, and implementation of such technology that reduce emissions should be provided by the governments. Therefore, developing countries should also invest in new technologies to reduce the emission of hazardous gasses and should come up with renewable energy sources.
In recent years, many developing countries are facing the problem of smog. It is the pollution that stays in the air and people are unable to see things beyond. Moreover, they are unable to breathe well. It also causes several health issues.
The WHO is providing the guidelines and limitations for air pollutants. According to them, mitigating the dangerous emissions down to 20 mcg/m³ from 70 mcg/m³ will reduce the level of pollution-related deaths from around 15%
It is evident for national and government authorities to give attention to detail to healthy urban air. The pollution-free air will help in reducing the healthcare cost and helps in improving the work productivity and life expectancy of the people. Reduction in air pollution will also have a positive effect on rapid climate changes. Therefore, developing nations should find a balance between economic and air quality to protect the health of their citizens and raise the standard of living.
Things that are Hazardous for Human Life
You will be surprised to know that 90% of people breathe unhealthy air because of the burning of fossil fuels. Moreover, the heated and polluted environment leads to the spread of mosquitoes that cause different types of fevers. Additionally, water scarcity, land degradation, and extreme weather conditions are affecting the health of people. Waste materials and plastics are present in the oceans that are killing the seal life and also making their way toward our food chain. The use of highly processed foods is increasing the risk of obesity, cancer, and heart disease.
The Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic
The lethal COVID-19 that causes millions of deaths around the world has taught people the importance of health. Moreover, it has also highlighted the inequalities in the health system in developed and developing countries. The pandemic has exposed the weaknesses of the society that are not working for making their environment free of pollution and enhanced the need for developing sustainable well-being societies that focuses on providing equal health facilities to the people now and for the generations to come.
At present, the economies of the world are facing the problem of inequitable distribution of income, power, and resources. Many people in the world are leading a life of poverty and instability. The objective of the health economy is to provide equity and ecological sustainability. For this, they have to make a long-term investment and should make legal and fiscal strategies. Reducing the cycles of different ailments and pandemics, the medical sciences require corporate and legislative reforms to support people so that they can make healthy choices.
Wrapping Up
In the recent decade, lots of work is done in life sciences, but this work is not enough as we are unable to provide humans with clean air for breathing. Therefore, the theme of this day, April 7th which is Our Planet, Our Health will give a reminder to the world to cater to the issues that are beyond the limits of healthcare. This can be done with the help of the governments and the support of their people.
Read Also: 30th March: National Doctor’s Day
