World Health Day 2008

April 7, 2008 - Protecting health from climate change

In 2008, World Health Day focuses on the need to protect health from the adverse effects of climate change. The theme "protecting health from climate change" puts health at the centre of the global dialogue about climate change. The theme was selected in recognition that climate change is posing ever-growing threats to global public health security.

Through increased collaboration, the global community will be better prepared to cope with climate-related health challenges worldwide. Examples of such collaborative actions are: strengthening surveillance and control of infectious diseases, ensuring safer use of diminishing water supplies, and coordinating health action in emergencies.

For more information, please consult the World Health Day section of the
World Health Organization Web site or the World Health Day section of the Pan American Health Organization Web site.

Previous World Health Days:

• Backgrounder: World Health Day 2007 - International Health Security