Focus on int'l health security

In this day and age of global diseases like AIDS, SARS and avian flu, health and disease on a global scale have gained renewed importance in international theatres.

Thus, it's opportune that the theme for this year's World Health Day, commemorated on April 7, is 'International Health Security'.

The theme has been selected by the World Health Organisation (WHO), which organises the day's events, to urge governments, organisations and businesses to "invest in health and build a safer future".

The events to be carried out around the world in connection with the day includes a global debate to be carried out in Singapore on April 2 to raise the profile of international health security. It will be organised jointly by Singapore and the WHO.

In a message issued in connection with the day, WHO Director General, Dr. Margaret Chan said that health threats know no borders and can cross borders easily in these days of global travel and trade, and affect communities of all nations. "Such diseases can be contained only through collaborations of developed and developing nations, increased focus in information sharing and the strengthening of public health systems and surveillance," she said.

When a disease outbreak strikes, WHO ensures that countries have rapid access to expertise and resources through the Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network, which is a network of national and international parties which offers a collective response to reduce the risks and dangers to health. WHO works with governments, private sector and civil society to tackle sudden challenges to health.

She further said that the revised International Health Regulations coming into effect this June will help build and strengthen effective mechanisms for outbreak alert and responses at national and international levels.

She emphasised that countries should also strengthen their individual health systems and invest in education and things like clean drinking water.

The First World Health Assembly was held by the WHO in 1948. Observing April 7 as World Health Day, to create awareness about a specific health theme to highlight a priority area of concern for health workers, started in 1950. April 7 commemorates the day of the founding of the WHO.

Day for fun and laughter

By the time you read this article, you may have already played a couple of jokes on your family and friends. Or, you may have fallen victim to jokes, innocent and not so innocent, played on you by others. In case you have forgotten all about the significance of the day, it is April Fools’ Day! Now, how on earth could you have forgotten that?

While playing jokes on others and getting fooled yourself, did you wonder why April 1 is called by this name? Have you ever stopped to wonder how this day originated? The practice is said to have started in France. The new year was celebrated, till then, on April 1.

The King of France, in 1564, adopted the modern calendar, according to which the new year began on January 1. Some people who didn’t like the new date continued to treat April 1 as the new year and they were referred to as “April fools” by the rest of the community.

Frenchmen used to exchange gifts with each other on April 1, as part of the new year celebrations. Despite the date being changed, they continued with the tradition of exchanging gifts on the day. However, the nature of the gifts changed to silly and worthless things.

Some believe that this light-hearted festival honours the return of spring. Foolish celebrations of a similar nature have been held in old days to welcome spring.

Now that you know the origin of April Fools’ Day, you too can get into the mood of the day. However, be careful about the jokes you play on others. They should never be harmful and cause anxiety or injury to others.

The spirit of the day can only be maintained if you keep your jokes within accepted limits and don’t overstep your boundaries.