This day is for you, global health.

April 7th, World Health Day, celebrates the importance of health for productive and happy lives. Every year since 1950, the day highlights a specific health theme that is of priority concern for the World Health Organization (learn about past themes, including climate change, international health security, and maternal and child care here). The theme of World Health Day 2009 is “Save Lives. Make hospitals safe in emergencies.” This theme spotlights emergency preparedness and the flexibility and safety of health facilities and the health workers who treat those affected by earthquakes, floods, conflicts and other emergencies. This year, WHO and international partners are drawing attention to the importance of investing in this type of emergency health infrastructure. In countries around the world, emergency preparedness is of increasing concern. For those prone to natural disasters, ensuring that hospitals and other health facilities are safe, can withstand events like earthquakes, and are prepared for emergencies can save lives.

WHO recommends that governments and other authorities who operate hospitals take the following six steps to ensure healthcare is available throughout a disaster:

1. assess the safety of hospitals;
2. protect and train health workers for emergencies;
3. plan for emergency response;
4. design and build resilient hospitals;
5. adopt national policies and programs for safe hospitals; and
6. protect equipment, medicines and supplies.

However you choose to celebrate World Health Day 2009, make sure it is safe (and healthy!), and give a nod to the emergency health facilities and health workers that serve you. More investments are needed to make these high-quality services accessible to all.

-Rena Pacheco-Theard