World Health Day 2026, observed on 7 April, begins a year-long global campaign focused on the role of science in protecting human, animal, plant and planetary health. The theme, Together for health. Stand with science, marks the need for evidence-based action, scientific collaboration and stronger public trust in public health systems. The campaign places special emphasis on the One Health approach, which links health across species and ecosystems.
Theme and Core Message
The 2026 observance promotes science as the foundation of health policy and crisis response. It urges governments, health workers, scientists and the public to rely on facts, evidence and science-based guidance. The campaign also seeks to rebuild trust in science and public health institutions.
One Health Approach
The One Health approach recognises that human health is connected to animal health, environmental health and plant health. It supports coordinated action against shared risks such as zoonotic diseases, antimicrobial resistance and ecosystem degradation. The 2026 campaign uses this framework to underline the value of integrated health planning.
Major Global Events
Two key events anchor the campaign:
- The International One Health Summit on 7 April, hosted by France under the French G7 Presidency.
- The inaugural Global Forum of WHO Collaborating Centres from 7 to 9 April, bringing together nearly 800 scientific institutions from over 80 countries.
These gatherings form the largest scientific network ever convened around a United Nations agency.
Campaign Goals and Public Participation
The campaign encourages people to celebrate scientific achievements, share stories of how science improves lives and join the global conversation through #StandWithScience and #WorldHealthDay. It also calls for science-led solutions that strengthen health security, improve preparedness and support healthier futures for all.
Last Modified: April 28, 2026