World Health Day 2026, is directly linked to the establishment of the World Health Organization on April 7, 1948. and is observed annually since 1950.  

WHO - a prestigious member of JADE Health’s stakeholder network- designates a theme each year to focus global attention on a priority health issue to call on people everywhere to stand with science.  

The theme for World Health Day 2026, is Global Action for Universal Health Coverage focuses on ensuring that people everywhere can access essential health services, including:

• prevention,
• treatment,
• rehabilitation,
• palliative care, without experiencing financial hardship.  

Universal health coverage is identified by WHO as a foundational component of effective, resilient, and equitable health systems. This year’s observance launches a yearlong campaign celebrating the power of scientific collaboration to protect the health of people, animals, plants, and the planet.  

The campaign spotlights both scientific achievements and the multilateral cooperation needed to turn evidence into action – through a strong focus on the One Health approach. 

Major global moments of the 2026 campaign are:   

“Together for health. Stand with science” 

In the framework of World Health Day 2026, two major events will be organised with the aim to form the largest scientific network ever convened around a United Nations agency, stressing how sciencedriven partnerships can build a healthier, safer future for all.

• The International One Health Summit (7 April), will be hosted by WHO and the Government of France under the French G7 Presidency
• The inaugural Global Forum of WHO Collaborating Centres (7–9 April), will gather nearly 800 scientific institutions from over 80 countries.  

Governments, scientists, health workers, as well as the general public are called on to stand with science by engaging with evidence, facts, and science-based guidance to protect health; rebuild trust in science and public health; and support science-led solutions for a healthier future. 

Let’s celebrate scientific achievements together! JADE Health is designed to integrate validated best practices and cost-effective interventions across EU Member States by implementing transnational pilot initiatives, with the mission to enhance, complement and reinforce existing policies and programs. 

Along with our project partners and stakeholders we are committed to support evidence-based research policy, sharing innovative practices, new care models, and state-of-the-art digital technologies.  

We are pleased to join the global conversation on how science improves lives!  

• Find out more on World Health Day:
•  https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-health-day  
• https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-health-day/2026/key-messages