World Health and Awareness Days - October 2024
World Health Days are annual observances designated by the World Health Organization (WHO) to raise awareness about specific health issues and promote action to address global health challenges. Each World Health Day focuses on a particular theme or topic of importance to public health.
October:
- October 1: International Day of Older Persons
- October 3: Virus Appreciation Day
- October 5: World Meningitis Day
- October 6: World Cerebral palsy Day
- October 9: World Sight Day
- October 10: World Mental Health Day
- October 10: World Sight Day (2nd Thrusday of October)
- October 12: World Arthritis Day
- October 13: World Thrombosis Day
- October 14 - 20: International Infection Prevention Week (IIPW)
- October 15: World Pregnancy & Infant Loss rememberance Day
- October 15: Global Handwashing Day
- October 16: World Spine Day
- October 16: World Anaesthesia Day
- October 16: World Food Day
- October 17: World Trauma Day
- October 19: World Paediatric Bone and Joint Day
- October 20: World Osteoporosis Day
- October 21: World Iodine Deficiency Day
- October 22: International Stuttering Awareness Day
- October 24: World Polio Day
- October 29: World Stroke Day
- October 01 to 31: Breast Cancer Awareness Month
- October 01 to 31: Rett Syndrome Awareness Month
- October 01 to November 4: International Brain Tumour Awareness Week
Celebrating healthcare and medical-related days is an effective means of raising public awareness about important health topics and encouraging healthy lifestyles. The effort to encourage healthy behaviours and raise public understanding of important health issues should continue throughout the year. Building a healthier society is everyone’s job, from individuals to communities to governments. Observing these days serves as a timely reminder to prioritise health and to honour the efforts of those who work in the medical field.