GENEVA, Switzerland – The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a powerful call to action on the eve of World Health Day, urging nations, institutions, and individuals to unite behind science as the foundation for stronger health systems and healthier lives.
Under the theme “Together for health. Stand with science,” WHO marks its 78th anniversary with a year-long campaign emphasizing the transformative role of scientific progress and international collaboration in advancing global health.
Over the past century, breakthroughs in medicine, technology, and research have dramatically reshaped human health. Maternal mortality has dropped by more than 40% since 2000, while deaths among children under five have been cut by over half.
Vaccines alone have saved more than 154 million children, and innovations such as anesthesia, cancer screening, and HIV treatment have turned once-deadly conditions into manageable challenges.
WHO has played a central role in these achievements, from coordinating global laboratory networks during the 2003 SARS outbreak to setting international standards on air quality and drinking water safety.
Yet, the organization warns that health threats are intensifying, driven by climate change, environmental degradation, geopolitical instability, and shifting demographics. Persistent diseases, strained health systems, and emerging epidemics demand urgent, coordinated responses. WHO stresses that science must remain the guiding force in health decision-making, ensuring evidence-based policies and equitable care worldwide.
“Science is one of humanity’s most powerful tools for protecting and improving health,” said WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. “People in every country live longer and healthier lives today than their ancestors did, thanks to the power of science.”
To reinforce this commitment, WHO and the G7 Presidency of France will convene a One Health Summit in Lyon from 5–7 April, bringing together heads of state, scientists, and community leaders. This will be followed by the Global Forum of WHO Collaborating Centres, uniting over 800 institutions from more than 80 countries to strengthen research and capacity-building efforts.
“Science transforms uncertainty into understanding and reveals the pathways to protect and heal our communities,” said WHO Chief Scientist Dr Sylvie Briand. “Today, we must stand together with science so that our collaboration is sustained, supported and enhanced for the better health of generations to come.”
WHO’s message is clear: when countries unite behind science, they not only respond more effectively to crises but also build resilient, equitable health systems for the future.
On World Health Day 2026, the organization calls on the world to recommit to collaboration and evidence-based action—standing with science to safeguard health for all.
