MEDIA ADVISORY: World Health Day 2026 - “Together for Health. Stand with Science”

No images? Click here Friday, 27 March 2026 MEDIA ADVISORY World Health Day 2026: “Together for Health. Stand with Science” WHO launches a year-long global campaign and hosts two high-level events showcasing Head of State participation and the world’s largest network of scientific institutions On World Health Day, 7 April 2026, the World Health Organization (WHO) will launch a year-long campaign under the theme “Together for Health. Stand with Science.”  The campaign highlights the role of science and multilateral cooperation in promoting and protecting the health of everyone, everywhere. Anchoring the campaign are two major global events that bring together Heads of State, ministers of health, and leaders from more than 800 scientific institutions: the One Health Summit (5–7 April), hosted by France under the French G7 Presidency, and the first ever Global Forum of WHO Collaborating Centres (7–9 April).  Together, they represent the largest scientific network convened by a United Nations agency. Key media moments and opportunities 7 April, 15:30–19:15 CET - High-Level Segment of the One Health Summit (livestreamed).  The One Health Summit will convene global leaders, Heads of State and Government, and agency heads to highlight the importance of coordinated, cross-sectoral action on human, animal, and environmental health.  Leaders are expected to announce key commitments to strengthen collaboration and advance the One Health approach.  Exact timings are subject to change, please refer to the official schedule for the latest updates. 8 April, 09:00–12:00 CET - Opening Session of the Global Forum of WHO Collaborating Centres at the Matmut Stadium in Lyon, France (open for in-person participation by accredited journalists).  Brings together leaders and scientists from more than 800 Collaborating Centres across over 80 countries, along with heads of WHO, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and World Animal Health Organisation (WOAH). WHO senior experts available for media interviews (list below) One Health Summit, Lyon, France Co-hosted by France under the French G7 Presidency, the Summit will gather Heads of State, ministers, international organizations, scientists, civil society, youth and local actors.  The programme includes   seven partner events (5–7 April) and thematic ministerial sessions.  The Summit will highlight new commitments to coordinated, cross-sectoral One Health policies addressing health threats arising at the human–animal–environment interface.  Summit website: https://oneplanetsummit.fr/ For media accreditation, please register here before 12.00 pm CEST on 30 March 2026.  Media contact:  Mr Bossoro NGO, Head of Communications, One Health Summit, bossoro.ngo@diplomatie.gouv.fr Global Forum of WHO Collaborating Centres, Lyon, France This historic first convening hosted by WHO will unite experts from the global network of WHO Collaborating Centres — in more than 80 countries worldwide - supporting WHO’s work in areas such as antimicrobial resistance, laboratory surveillance, vaccine development, public health training, ageing, nutrition and outbreak response.  Participants include ministers of health; heads of WHO, FAO, UNEP and WOAH; WHO regional directors; and leading scientists from across the world. Journalists may attend the opening session on 8 April (in person).  For media accreditation, please send your request to mediainquiries@who.int  by 31 March 2026. WHO experts for media interviews The following WHO experts can be available for one-on-one interviews.  Please send your requests to mediainquiries@who.int: Dr Sylvie Briand, Chief Scientist, Science Division  Dr Jeremy Farrar, Assistant Director-General, Health Promotion, Disease Prevention and Care Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu, Executive Director, WHO Health Emergencies Programme Dr Yukiko Nakatani, Assistant Director-General, Health Systems Dr Meg Doherty, Director, Science Division Dr Amina Benyahia, Head, One Health Initiative Dr Taraneh Shojaei, Technical Advisor, One Health Initiative Dr Mattias Tuler, Team Lead, Collaborating Centres Media resources WHO key side events at the One Health Summit One Health: photography and short films WHO’s work on One Health WHO Collaborating Centres Special One Health Film screening and panel discussion, 11.30-13.30 CET on 6 April, UGC cinema Cité Internationale, Lyon, France Media contacts WHO media team: mediainquiries@who.int Fallon Bwatu Mbuyi, Communications Officer, WHO Academy bwatuj@who.int (in Lyon) Tunga Namjilsuren, Unit Head, Health Communications and Advocacy, namjilsurent@who.int (in Lyon) Note to editors This year’s World Health Day campaign, “Together for Health. Stand with Science,” highlights the essential role science plays in improving the health of everyone, everywhere.  From vaccines and medicines to healthier food systems, clean water, sanitation and mental health support, WHO and partners work every day to generate and share scientific evidence, strengthen research systems, and ensure that science-based solutions reach people in every community.  The campaign invites the public to engage with this work by asking questions, sharing experiences and championing the value of facts and evidence in guiding health policies and services. The 2026 campaign also underscores the importance of global scientific cooperation. Advances in public health depend on strong partnerships — from the One Health approach that connects the health of people, animals and the planet, to WHO’s network of 800 Collaborating Centres that drive research, laboratory surveillance, vaccine development and public health training worldwide.  This World Health Day, WHO calls on governments, institutions, scientists and communities to stand with science, support evidence-based decision-making, and help ensure that scientific knowledge continues to improve health and save lives across the globe. Media contacts: mediainquiries@who.int   You are receiving this NO-REPLY email because you are included on a WHO mail list. If you have been forwarded this update you can click here to subscribe. Journalists may send feedback to WHO Media Team         Share    Tweet    Share    Forward  World Health Organization, Avenue Appia 20, 1202 Geneva 27, Switzerland  Unsubscribe