WHO marks 70th birthday and World Health Day

This year's World Health Day occurred on 7 March 2018, which also marked the 70th birthday of the World Health Organization (WHO). World Health Day was dedicated to one of the WHO’s founding principles which is that health is a fundamental human right, and ‘health for all’ is a vision that the organisation has pursued in partnership with countries since its founding.

On World Health Day, the WHO called on leaders in Europe to recommit to ‘health for all’ through concerted action for universal health coverage. Many countries across the region have made great progress towards this goal but could do more to ensure that everyone has access to quality health services when and where they need them without financial hardship. Stronger focus is needed on securing financial protection especially for poorer people.