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4.01.2026

World Health Day - April 7

Every year, World Health Day is celebrated on April 7, marking the anniversary of the founding of the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1948. This global day highlights important health topics that affect people everywhere.
This year’s theme, “Together for health. Stand with science,” encourages communities to work together and value trusted information to keep families safe and healthy.

While the theme is broad, it reminds us how important it is to trust science and public health guidance—especially in a world where people, animals and the environment are closely connected. 

During COVID-19, many of us saw just how quickly illnesses can spread. Today, changes in our environment—like rising temperatures and air pollution—are also affecting health in new ways. Let’s take a closer look at how these changes impact families, especially in areas like maternal health, infectious diseases, and extreme heat.

Supporting Healthy Pregnancies and Babies

Maternal health includes care during pregnancy and the first year after a baby is born. Thanks to modern medicine, many pregnancies are safer than ever—but there is still work to do. In the United States, outcomes for mothers and babies vary widely depending on access to care and where families live.

One important factor is having access to doctors, midwives, and other trained providers before, during, and after pregnancy. Some communities—especially rural areas—have fewer options for this kind of care. Expanding access to providers, including midwives, can help more families receive the support they need.

For babies, being born too early (preterm birth) is a leading cause of health challenges. Factors like nutrition, infections, extreme heat, and air quality can all play a role. Families can support healthy pregnancies by attending regular checkups, staying hydrated, avoiding harmful pollutants, and seeking care early when concerns arise.

Understanding and Preventing Infectious Diseases

As our climate changes, certain insects and animals that carry diseases are appearing in new places. This means families may encounter illnesses that were once rare in their region.

For example:

• Mosquito-borne illnesses like dengue and West Nile virus are becoming more common in parts of the United States.
• Tick-borne illnesses like Lyme disease are expanding into new areas.
• Other infections that affect animals can sometimes impact people as well, especially in certain environments.

The good news is that simple precautions can go a long way. Using insect repellent, checking for ticks after outdoor play, and keeping living spaces clean and protected can help reduce risk—especially for children, who spend more time outdoors.

Staying Safe in Extreme Heat and Poor Air Quality

Families in places like Nevada are already feeling the effects of rising temperatures. Hot weather can affect everyone, but children are especially sensitive because their bodies heat up more quickly.

It’s important to recognize signs of heat-related illness:

• Heat exhaustion may include heavy sweating, dizziness, and nausea.
• Heat stroke is more serious and may involve a very high temperature, confusion, or lack of sweating.

On very hot days, try to:

• Keep hydrated
• Take breaks in cool or shaded areas
• Limit outdoor activity during peak heat

Heat and drought can also worsen air quality, especially during wildfire season. Poor air can trigger asthma and other breathing problems. Families can protect themselves by checking local air quality reports, using air purifiers indoors, and limiting outdoor time when pollution levels are high.

Table 1: Differences in the symptoms of heat related conditions in children

Thinking Globally, Acting Locally

Even here in Nevada, we are connected to global health trends. By staying informed and making small, healthy choices at home, we can protect our families and contribute to healthier communities everywhere.

World Health Day is a great reminder that when we support science, care for our environment, and look out for one another, we all benefit.