NONTHABURI, 7 April 2026 — WHO Thailand, together with the Ministry of Public Health, convened partners from across government and development sector to mark World Health Day 2026. Held ahead of the official 7 April observance, the event highlighted how evidence‑based, multisectoral collaboration is essential to addressing complex health challenges at the human–animal–environment interface.
World Health Day 2026: “Together for Health, Stand with Science”
World Health Day, observed every year on 7 April to commemorate the founding of WHO in 1948, draws attention to a pressing global health challenge and calls for coordinated action. For 2026, the theme “Together for Health. Stand with Science.” calls on people everywhere to renew their commitment to working together and supporting science as the twin engines driving better health.
The theme closely aligns with the One Health approach, which recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, plant, and environmental health. WHO estimates that around 60% of emerging infectious diseases originate in animals, while climate change, biodiversity loss and ecosystem disruption are increasing the risk of disease emergence. Antimicrobial resistance, food safety threats, and environmental contamination further reflect how health challenges arise across sectors, reinforcing the need for coordinated action grounded in science.
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“Thailand’s leadership in One Health has been contributing to national resilience , regional and global health security — achievements that are recognized globally and reflect the country’s strong leadership and capacity in health.”—Dr Ailan Li, WHO Representative to Thailand | “On this World Health Day, under the theme 'Together for Health. Stand with Science.' Thailand reaffirms our commitment to strengthening partnerships and advancing the One Health approach to build a healthier, safer, and more resilient future for all.”—H.E. Minister Pattana Promphat, Ministry of Public Health, Thailand |
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Advancing One Health through coordinated multi-sectoral action
Dr Ailan Li, WHO Representative to Thailand, participated in the event alongside H.E. Minister Pattana Promphat and Dr Somlerk Juengsmarn, Permanent Secretary, together with Directors-General, senior officials of Ministry of Public Health, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) and partners from across sectors.
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Photo credit: MOPH Thailand
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Photo credit: WHO Thailand
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Photo credit: WHO Thailand
A One Health exhibition was run as part of the programme, with national agencies showcasing practical action across shared priorities to optimize the health of people, animals and ecosystems through multisectoral collaboration;
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Photo credit: WHO Thailand
- The Department of Disease Control(DDC) and the Thailand One Health University Network (THOHUN) support Thailand’s One Health agenda through complementary roles: DDC leads multisectoral disease surveillance, prevention, and emergency response at the human–animal–environment interface, while THOHUN builds One Health capacity through interdisciplinary education, research, and workforce development to strengthen national and regional health security.
- The Food and Drug Administration contributes to national efforts to address Antimicrobial Resistance(AMR) through regulatory oversight of antimicrobial products. Thailand’s national strategy on AMR aims to reduce morbidity associated with resistant infections, decrease antimicrobial consumption in humans and food-producing animals, and improve public awareness on appropriate use.
- The Department of Medical Sciences presented efforts to address antimicrobial resistance (AMR) including, Global Antimicrobial Resistance and Use Surveillance System (GLASS) and monitoring antimicrobial resistance in n aquatic life as well as farm animal production systems.
- The Department of Medical Services shared experience from pollution clinics, such as Nopparat Rajathanee Hospital, and showcased services addressing the health impacts of PM2.5 through facility‑based and telemedicine care.
- The Department of Health highlighted the Healthy Cities initiative, a WHO‑aligned national programme that empowers local governments to create healthy environments through strong urban health governance and community participation.
- The Department of Health Service Support showcased community engagement through Village Health Volunteers and the Gen‑H youth volunteer initiative, which empowers young people as health communicators and change agents in Thailand.
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Photo credit: WHO Thailand
WHO Thailand and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) also presented their joint work under the One Health framework, including pandemic prevention and preparedness, zoonotic disease control, and strengthened multisectoral coordination across sectors.
Dr Li also highlighted, “World Health Day 2026 offers a year‑long opportunity to reaffirm the value of scientific collaboration in building stronger, more equitable health systems for the future.”
WHO calls on governments, institutions and individuals to continue supporting and collaborating on science and ensuring that evidence-based approaches guide health policies and everyday decisions.
WHO Thailand engages young people through art and photography
As part of the World Health Day 2026 campaign, WHO Thailand launched a One Health-themed Art and Photo Challenge, inviting young people and the public to share their perspectives on health through creative expression. Selected contributions will be featured online, and participants will receive an electronic certificate from WHO Thailand.
World Health Day 2026 Art and Photo Challenges
The initiative reflects WHO’s commitment to inclusive public engagement and to reaching communities with science-based health information.
The World Health Day 2026 event reaffirmed Thailand’s partnership with WHO in advancing science-informed, intersectoral health action. WHO remains committed to supporting Thailand’s national health priorities, working with the Ministry of Public Health and translating evidence into policies and practice that protect health for all.