SelfAdvocateNet Stands in Support of World Health Day

What is world Heath Day 

 

World Health Day is a global health awareness day celebrated annually on April 7 to mark the anniversary of the founding of the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1948. It focuses on a specific, urgent global health theme to promote health equity, raise awareness, and mobilize action for better health outcomes worldwide. 

Advancing Disability Rights, Health Equity, and Inclusive Wellbeing World Health Day is an important reminder that health is a human right.

For people with disabilities, this right is too often overlooked. Barriers in health care, inaccessible information, and unequal treatment continue to affect the wellbeing of self advocates across Canada and around the world. SelfAdvocateNet is committed to raising awareness, promoting inclusion, and ensuring that people with disabilities have the support they need to live healthy, meaningful, and self‑directed lives. Health Equity: A Disability Rights Issue Good health is not just about avoiding illness. It is about having fair access to the supports, services, and information needed to stay well. Many people with disabilities face challenges such as:
• Limited access to doctors or specialists
• Communication barriers during medical appointments
• Lack of accessible health information
• Higher rates of chronic illness
• Social isolation, stress, and mental health struggles
• Barriers to healthy food and physical activity

These are not individual failures — they are systemic inequities. World Health Day calls on all of us to recognize these barriers and work toward a health system that treats every person with dignity and respect. Understanding Your Body and Your Rights Knowing your body and recognizing when something feels wrong is an important part of self‑advocacy.

So is knowing your rights in the health‑care system. People with disabilities have the right to:
• Clear, accessible information
• Respectful communication
• Informed consent
• Support persons or advocates
• Equal treatment without discrimination

Listening to your body, asking questions, and seeking help early can prevent small concerns from becoming serious health issues. Nutrition, Activity, and Healthy Living
Healthy living looks different for everyone. For many self advocates, support is needed to access:
• Nutritious food
• Safe and inclusive physical activity
• Clear information about healthy choices
• Community programs that welcome people of all abilities

Good nutrition and regular movement can improve energy, mood, independence, and overall wellbeing. These are not luxuries — they are essential parts of a healthy life.

Mental Health Matters Mental health is a vital part of overall health. Many people with disabilities experience:
• Loneliness
• Stress
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Social isolation

These challenges are real and deserve attention. Reaching out for support, connecting with others, and talking openly about mental health are powerful steps toward healing and resilience.

Why World Health Day Matters World Health Day reminds us that:
• Taking care of our health improves our quality of life
• Healthy habits can extend our lifespan
• Being active and engaged supports happiness and wellbeing
• People with disabilities deserve equal access to health care
• Communities must work together to remove barriers and promote inclusion

Health equity is not optional — it is essential for a fair and just society. Moving Forward Together
SelfAdvocateNet encourages everyone in our community to:
• Stay informed
• Ask for help when needed
• Advocate for accessible health services
• Support one another
• Celebrate small steps toward healthier living

On World Health Day, we reaffirm our commitment to disability rights, health equity, and the wellbeing of all self advocates.

April 7, 2026 | Ottawa, ON | Health Canada

On World Health Day, we underscore our government’s commitment to ensuring all Canadians have access to high-quality, inclusive health care that is rooted in science.

This year’s theme, “Together for health. Stand with science,” reminds us that science is central to protect public health. Sharing evidence-based information, strengthening our research capacities and working together for healthier beginnings and brighter futures are key to a stronger and more equitable Canada.

Evidence shows that men in Canada face distinct health challenges. That is why we recently announced our work on Canada’s first federal Men and Boys’ Health Strategy. The Strategy will help address these challenges, including lower life expectancy, higher suicide rates, and greater rates of substance use disorder and problem gambling. This will complement our efforts to improve the health of women and girls, and foster inclusive health care for everyone.

Similarly, research shows us that by addressing the root causes of health inequities early in life, we can give people the opportunity to live their healthiest life possible. The Government of Canada invests more than $144 million annually in community-based programs that support pregnant women, children, and families experiencing health inequities. These programs ensure healthy development and strong foundations.

Reducing financial barriers to care is also essential. For many individuals, the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) has made it possible to visit an oral health provider for the first time in years. The CDCP is improving access to oral health services for over 6 million eligible Canadians, with more than 4 million already receiving care, and saving an average of $900 annually.

The Government of Canada is working closely with provinces and territories to advance shared health care priorities including expanding access to family health services and team-based primary care, better supporting the health workforce, improving mental health and substance use support, and modernizing the health care system by using more data and digital tools to share comparable health information.

When we remove financial barriers, address inequities, and invest in prevention and care, we strengthen the health of our communities and our country. We have seen how collaboration and science can save lives, improve outcomes, and guide us through complex challenges. Together, we can build a healthier, more inclusive future where everyone can thrive.

The Honourable Marjorie Michel, P.C., M.P.

Contacts

Emmanuelle Ducharme
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Health
emmanuelle.ducharme@hc-sc.gc.ca

Media Relations
Health Canada
613-957-2983
media@hc-sc.gc.ca

This is on Govt of Canada Website go to the link here

Health services and supports for people with disabilities

World Health Organization Data FACTS CANADA