The World Health Organization (WHO) is urging people worldwide to recommit to collaboration and the support of science as essential drivers of better health, marking World Health Day 2026 with the theme: “Together for health. Stand with science.” The campaign coincides with the anniversary of WHO’s founding on 7 April 1948 and launches a year-long public health initiative.
Over the past century, scientific progress and international cooperation have dramatically improved human health. Maternal mortality has dropped by over 40% since 2000, and under-five deaths have decreased by more than 50%. Advances in technology, medical knowledge, and interdisciplinary collaboration have transformed once-deadly health challenges into manageable conditions, extending life expectancy and enhancing quality of life globally.
Despite these gains, health threats continue to grow due to climate change, environmental degradation, geopolitical tensions, and shifting demographics. Persistent diseases, strained health systems, and emerging epidemic or pandemic risks require ongoing scientific innovation. Thousands of scientists worldwide, supported by organizations such as WHO, are developing policies, tools, and interventions to protect populations now and for future generations.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus highlighted the critical role of science in health improvements, citing vaccines, penicillin, germ theory, MRI technology, and genome mapping as transformative achievements that have saved billions of lives. Scientific innovations are most effective when widely adopted, reflecting collaboration among researchers, policymakers, health workers, and communities. Life-saving advances such as modern anesthesia, global immunization programs, and early screening technologies have significantly reduced mortality and improved healthcare access, even in resource-limited settings.
WHO has been central to global health coordination for nearly eight decades. During the 2003 SARS outbreak, WHO facilitated real-time global data sharing to rapidly identify the virus. In 2009, it promoted alcohol-based hand rubs and infection prevention strategies now widely used, including during the COVID-19 pandemic. The organization also establishes norms and standards, such as air quality guidelines and safe drinking water standards, protecting millions from respiratory and waterborne diseases.
To support the World Health Day 2026 theme, WHO and the G7 Presidency of France are convening a One Health Summit in Lyon from 5–7 April, bringing together leaders, scientists, and community representatives. From 7–9 April, WHO will host the Global Forum of its Collaborating Centres network, uniting over 800 institutions from more than 80 countries to advance research, technical assistance, and capacity-building.
WHO emphasizes that rigorous science is essential for effective health decision-making. Evidence-based approaches underpin responses to infectious and chronic diseases, mental health, nutrition, and environmental risks, guiding countries toward equitable and effective healthcare. Achievements in global health demonstrate that unity behind science strengthens health systems, enhances crisis response, and supports long-term, sustainable improvements. WHO calls on governments, institutions, and individuals to continue supporting scientific collaboration to secure better health outcomes for generations to come.
