World Health Day 2025 Healthy beginnings, hopeful futures

Smoking tobacco causes NCDs such as lung disease, heart disease and stroke. Fats consumed should be less than 30% of your total energy intake. You can reduce your sugar intake by limiting the consumption of sugary snacks, candies and sugar-sweetened beverages. You can improve your intake of fruits and vegetables by always including veggies in your meal; eating fresh fruit and vegetables as snacks; eating a variety of fruits and vegetables; and eating them in season. Start the new year with the evergreen resolution to lead a healthier lifestyle. This will help prevent unhealthy weight gain and NCDs. Reduce intake of harmful fats WHO recommends consuming less than 5% of total energy intake for additional health benefits. (15) Set of recommendations on the marketing of foods and non-alcoholic beverages to children. With many countries now seeing a rapid rise in obesity among infants and children, in May 2014 WHO set up the Commission on Ending Childhood Obesity. These targets include a halt to the rise in diabetes and obesity, and a 30% relative reduction in the intake of salt by 2025. The level of intrinsic capacity is influenced by several factors such as the presence of diseases, injuries and age-related changes. Environments are highly influential on our behaviour, our exposure to health risks (for example, air pollution or violence), our access to quality health and social care and the opportunities that ageing brings. Every person – in every country in the world – should have the opportunity to live a long and healthy life. WHO works with countries to integrate obesity prevention and management at all levels of care. The health of women and children is of particular importance to us, and the second pillar of our Roadmap reaffirms investments in women, girls, adolescents, and vulnerable populations. South-East Asia Region is guided by our Regional Roadmap for Results and Resilience, the first pillar of which focusses on the importance of mental health, well-being, and quality of life of our people. This means that when we improve the health of our people today, the effects ripple across time and to uplift generations yet unborn. The establishment of a specialized international health organization was first proposed in April 1945, when diplomats met in San Francisco to form the United Nations. Being able to live in environments that support and maintain one’s intrinsic capacity and functional ability is key to healthy ageing. Yet, the environments in which we live can favour health or be harmful to it. NCD quick buys – public health impact in 5 years or less WHO is committed to supporting countries in these efforts. For those aged 5–19 years, overweight is defined as a BMI-for-age value over +1 standard deviation (SD) and obesity – as a BMI-for-age value over +2 SD. During childhood and adolescence, the ratio between weight and height varies with sex and age, so the cut-off values that determine the nutritional status of those aged 0–19 years are gender- and age-specific.

WHO engages with food manufacturers on improving the nutrition profile of their products.
In children, BMI is calculated as for adults and then compared to z-scores or percentiles.
Do they pose a risk to your health?
Episode #91 - Everything you need to know about trans fat
You can improve your intake of fruits and vegetables by always including veggies in your meal; eating fresh fruit and vegetables as snacks; eating a variety of fruits and vegetables; and eating them in season.
Make sure you only take antibiotics if prescribed by a qualified health professional.
At the heart of our efforts is Universal Health Coverage (UHC), which aims to provide a healthcare system where everyone can access quality services without financial burden.
NCD quick buys – public health impact in 5 years or less

Less alcohol is better, none is best

Global sodium benchmarks for reducing sodium content in food products - WHO Webinar

Countries and global leaders recognized for their action to tackle the obesity crisis WHO engages with food manufacturers on improving the nutrition profile of their products. Around the world, an estimated 3 billion people cannot access safe,nutritious and sufficient food. It protects you against many chronic noncommunicable diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes and cancer. (14) Global strategy on diet, physical activity and health.

For infants and young children

A healthy diet is a foundation for health, well-being, optimal growth and development.It protects against all forms of malnutrition. A healthy diet is essential for good health and nutrition. Being free of disease or infirmity is not a requirement for healthy ageing, as many older adults have one or more health conditions that, when well controlled, have little influence on their wellbeing. Promoting physical activity and healthy diets for healthy ageing in the WHO European Region

Alcohol consumption is causally linked to over 200 health conditions, including liver diseases, road injuries, violence, cancers, cardiovascular diseases, suicides, tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS.
Start the new year with the evergreen resolution to lead a healthier lifestyle.
Around the world, an estimated 3 billion people cannot access safe,nutritious and sufficient food.
Once you do, you will experience immediate and long-term health benefits.
However, the basic principles of what constitutes a healthy diet remain the same.
Having considered the ‘healthy beginnings’ - of WHO, and at the start of life - let us turn to ‘hopeful futures.’ The future of the health and wellbeing of mothers and children is inescapably intertwined with the future of WHO.

This WHO constitution came into force two years later, on 7 April 1948 – a day we since mark as World Health Day – marking the beginning of our Organization, born from the hopes of healthier futures for all to come. Healthy ageing,like active ageing, emphasizes the need for action across multiple sectors andenabling older people to remain a resource to their families, communities andeconomies. Policy should be framed to improve the functional ability of all older people, whether they are robust, care dependent or in between. Healthy ageing is about creating the environments and opportunities that enable people to be and do what they value throughout their lives. Nutrition for a healthy life – WHO recommendations

Nutrition for a healthy life – WHO recommendations

This framework underscores integrating obesity prevention and treatment throughout the health system – from community and primary care to specialized services – and adopting a life-course approach to chronic care. For these conditions, there is a direct link between the amount of alcohol consumed and the risk of developing the disease or dying from it – the more alcohol you drink, the higher the risk. The cut-off points of the 2006 BMI-for-age reference for children aged 0–5 years for the diagnosis of overweight and obesity were set as the 97th and the 99th percentile, respectively. In children, BMI is calculated as for adults and then compared to z-scores or percentiles. BMI was developed as a risk indicator of disease. WHO has also developed region-specific tools (such as regional nutrient profile models) that countries can use to implement the marketing recommendations. Diet evolves over time, being influenced by many social and economic factors that interact in a complex manner to shape individual dietary patterns. People are often unaware of the amount of salt they consume. WHO is urging action by Governments and the food industry to remove industrial trans fat from our food chain. Do they pose a risk to your health? Recognizing that the world is not on track to meet all of the 2025 global nutrition targets, WHO Member States, during the 78th World Health Assembly in... Vitamin A deficiency remains a leading cause of preventable blindness in children and also increases the risks of severe illness or death from infections.... BMI is also recommended for use in children and adolescents. BMI ranges are based on the effect that excessive body fat has on disease and death, and are reasonably well related to adiposity. Go to your nearest health facility to check out the health services, screenings and treatment that are accessible to you. Health professionals can help find and diagnose health issues early, when your chances for treatment and cure are better.

Spreadsheets for WHO reference protocol for measuring fatty acids in foods, with emphasis on monitoring...

Assessing and monitoring TFA content in the food supply is one of the key action areas for countries in order to eliminate TFA. Launch of WHO guideline on fortification of edible oils and fats with vitamins A and D for public health Preventing noncommunicable diseases World Health Assembly re-commits to global nutrition targets and marketing regulations

Governments have a central role in creating a healthy food environment that enables people to adopt and maintain healthy dietary practices.
This is key to public health outcomes and health equity.
Health professionals can help find and diagnose health issues early, when your chances for treatment and cure are better.
BMI ranges are based on the effect that excessive body fat has on disease and death, and are reasonably well related to adiposity.
With many countries now seeing a rapid rise in obesity among infants and children, in May 2014 WHO set up the Commission on Ending Childhood Obesity.
A healthy diet is essential for good health and nutrition.
Reduce intake of harmful fats
Investing in policies and interventions that promote better diets, improve food systems and reduce alcohol use can contribute to healthier and more sustainable living environments across the WHO European Region.

Tackling the obesity epidemic

In 2010, the Health Assembly endorsed a set of recommendations on the marketing of foods and non-alcoholic beverages to children (15). Some food manufacturers are reformulating recipes to reduce the sodium content of their products, and people should be encouraged to check nutrition labels to see how much sodium is in a product before purchasing or consuming it. Salt is also added to foods during cooking (e.g. bouillon, stock cubes, soy sauce and fish sauce) or at the point of consumption (e.g. table salt). Reducing the amount of total fat intake to less than 30% of total energy intake helps to prevent unhealthy weight gain in the adult population (1, 2, 3).

"Healthy beginnings, hopeful futures" is our first World Health Day theme dedicated to maternal and newborn health since 2005.
In 2013, the Health Assembly agreed to nine global voluntary targets for the prevention and control of NCDs.
Higher BMI increases the risk of NCDs, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancer.
We are seeing this globally, regionally and at the country level.
Countries and global leaders recognized for their action to tackle the obesity crisis
WHO has also developed region-specific tools (such as regional nutrient profile models) that countries can use to implement the marketing recommendations.
From 2010 onwards, our region achieved the highest reduction in the stillbirth rate, and in the maternal, newborn and child mortality rates, compared to all other WHO regions and the global average.

Global nutrition targets 2030: topical briefs on maternal, infant and young child nutrition

However, while we have made progress regionally, these advancements are spread unevenly across our countries. From 2016 to 2023, our Maternal Mortality reduced by an average of 5.1% per year – more than three times the global reduction rate. From 2010 onwards, our region achieved the highest reduction in the stillbirth rate, and in the maternal, newborn and child mortality rates, compared to all other WHO regions and the global average. "Healthy beginnings, hopeful futures" is our first World Health Day theme dedicated to maternal and newborn health since 2005. The health of mothers and their newborns, therefore, is vital not just for our communities today, but for all who will come after us. BMI is a measure for indicating nutritional status in adults. Monitoring weight, eating healthily and staying active will help to maintain a healthy BMI. Higher BMI increases the risk of NCDs, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancer. Although health status at older ages is mainly dependent on lifestyles established during adulthood and youth, the level of physical activity and quality of diet in older age are also important determinants of health, well-being, functional ability, mobility and independence. Eating at least 400 g, or five portions, of fruit and vegetables per day reduces the risk of NCDs (2) and helps to ensure an adequate daily intake of dietary fibre. In the first 2 years of a child’s life, optimal nutrition fosters healthy growth and improves cognitive development. From disease outbreaks to natural disasters, from the newborn to the elderly, from migrant camps to modern cities – whatever the situation and whoever the person, the WHO is a symbol of hope, help and health. But today, as we recommit to the health of mothers, children and generations yet unborn, we know our work is more vital than ever.

Recognizing that the world is not on track to meet all of the 2025 global nutrition targets, WHO Member States, during the 78th World Health Assembly in...
WHO is helping countries to implement the commitments made at ICN2.
It protects you against many chronic noncommunicable diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes and cancer.
But today, as we recommit to the health of mothers, children and generations yet unborn, we know our work is more vital than ever.
This document was prepared in support of the publication "WHO reference protocol for measuring fatty acids in foods, with emphasis on monitoring trans-fatty...
Consuming a healthy diet throughout the life-course helps to prevent malnutrition in all its forms as well as a range of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and conditions.
What constitutes a healthy diet may differ depending on individual needs, locally available foods, dietary customs, cultural norms and other considerations.

World Health Day 2025 - Healthy beginnings, hopeful futures

In both adults and children, the intake of free sugars should be reduced to less than 10% of total energy intake (2, 7). Having considered the ‘healthy beginnings’ - of WHO, and at the start of life - let us turn to ‘hopeful futures.’ The future of the health and wellbeing of mothers and children is inescapably intertwined with the future of WHO. WHO defines healthy ageing as “the process of developing and maintaining the functional ability that enables wellbeing in older age.” Functional ability is about having the capabilities that enable all people to be and do what they have reason to value. Alcohol consumption is causally linked to over 200 health conditions, including liver diseases, road injuries, violence, cancers, cardiovascular diseases, suicides, tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS. Common conditions related to overweight and obesity include cardiovascular diseases, high blood pressure, osteoarthritis, certain types of cancer and diabetes. What constitutes a healthy diet may differ depending on individual needs, locally available foods, dietary customs, cultural norms and other considerations. However, healthy diets can be inaccessible, particularly in low- andmiddle-income countries, and also in places and situations with high rates offood insecurity. Evidence shows the health benefits of a diet high in whole grains, vegetables,fruit, legumes and nuts, and low in salt, free sugars and fats, particularlysaturated and trans fats. A healthy diet comprises a combination of different foods. Governments have a central role in creating a healthy food environment that enables people to adopt and maintain healthy dietary practices. The health of everyone we hold near and dear demands nothing less. The ‘hopeful futures’ we want for our people demands a strong, resilient and active WHO. We have prevented hundreds of millions from death, disease and infirmity. We have led the first global treaty to fight tobacco.

In addition, the proliferation of highlyprocessed food, supported by aggressive marketing, rapid unplanned urbanizationand changing lifestyles have contributed to more people eating unhealthy dietshigh in energy, free sugars, salt, saturated fats and trans fats.
WHO is committed to supporting countries in these efforts.
Antibiotic resistance is one of the biggest public health threats in our generation.
We have prevented hundreds of millions from death, disease and infirmity.
From disease outbreaks to natural disasters, from the newborn to the elderly, from migrant camps to modern cities – whatever the situation and whoever the person, the WHO is a symbol of hope, help and health.
A healthy diet is a foundation for health, well-being, optimal growth and development.It protects against all forms of malnutrition.
BMI is also recommended for use in children and adolescents.
If your blood pressure is high, get the advice of a health worker.

It also reduces the risk of becoming overweight or obese and developing NCDs later in life. Episode #91 - Everything you need to know about trans fat (9) Comprehensive implementation plan on maternal, infant and young child nutrition. Effects of total fat intake on body weight. WHO is helping countries to implement the commitments made at ICN2. In 2013, the Health Assembly agreed to nine global voluntary targets for the prevention and control of NCDs.

Every person – in every country in the world – should have the opportunity to live a long and healthy life.
A healthy diet comprises a combination of different foods.
From 2016 to 2023, our Maternal Mortality reduced by an average of 5.1% per year – more than three times the global reduction rate.
WHO defines healthy ageing as “the process of developing and maintaining the functional ability that enables wellbeing in older age.” Functional ability is about having the capabilities that enable all people to be and do what they have reason to value.
Preventing noncommunicable diseases
This will help prevent unhealthy weight gain and NCDs.
If left uncontrolled, hypertension can lead to heart, brain, kidney and other diseases.
Here is some useful information, based on WHO recommendations, to follow a healthy diet, and the benefits of doing so.
ShimizuRegular check-ups can help find health problems before they start.

People are now consuming more foods high in energy, fats, free sugars and salt/sodium, and many people do not eat enough fruit, vegetables and other dietary fibre such as whole grains. Consuming a healthy diet throughout the life-course helps to prevent malnutrition in all its forms as well as a range of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and conditions. WHO/Europe is advancing nutrition and obesity prevention by supporting countries in implementing evidence-based policies that reshape food environments and strengthen health systems. The exact make-up of a diversified, balanced and healthy diet will vary depending on individual characteristics (such as age, gender, lifestyle and degree of physical activity), cultural context, locally available foods and dietary customs. By eating healthy, you will reduce your risk of malnutrition and noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke and cancer.

Reduce your salt intake to 5g per day, equivalent to about one teaspoon.
The ‘hopeful futures’ we want for our people demands a strong, resilient and active WHO.
These targets include a halt to the rise in diabetes and obesity, and a 30% relative reduction in the intake of salt by 2025.
There are different types of fats, but unsaturated fats are preferable over saturated fats and trans-fats.
Yet, the environments in which we live can favour health or be harmful to it.
Have your blood pressure checked regularly by a health worker so you know your numbers.
This WHO constitution came into force two years later, on 7 April 1948 – a day we since mark as World Health Day – marking the beginning of our Organization, born from the hopes of healthier futures for all to come.

Reduce your salt intake to 5g per day, equivalent to about one teaspoon. Eat a combination of different foods, including fruit, vegetables, legumes, nuts and whole grains. Here are 10 practical health tips to help you start off towards healthy living in 2025. Consuming free sugars increases the risk of dental caries (tooth decay). A reduction to less than 5% of total energy intake would provide additional health benefits (7). Reducing salt intake to the recommended level of less than 5 g per day could prevent 1.7 million deaths each year (12). Most people consume too much sodium through salt (corresponding to consuming an average of 9–12 g of salt per day) and not enough potassium (less than 3.5 g). This is key to public health outcomes and health equity. We are seeing this globally, regionally and at the country level. Strengthening our primary healthcare systems to deliver inclusive, equitable care is essential and is our preferred approach to achieving UHC. At the heart of our efforts is Universal Health Coverage (UHC), which aims to provide a healthcare system where everyone can access quality services without financial burden. Healthy diet for pregnant and postpartum women

Healthy diet for pregnant and postpartum women

Excess calories from foods and drinks high in free sugars also contribute to unhealthy weight gain, which can lead to overweight and obesity. Consuming a healthy diet throughout the life-course helps to prevent malnutrition in all its forms as well as a range of NCDs and conditions. Improving population diets through regulatory measures—such as restrictions on unhealthy food marketing, front-of-pack labeling, and fiscal policies—has... WHO regularly monitors the adoption and implementation of food environment policies and their impact on population dietary intake and health. As BMI increases, so does the risk for certain diseases. This document was prepared in support of the publication "WHO reference protocol for measuring fatty acids in foods, with emphasis on monitoring trans-fatty... The nature of access to food requires broader solutions at the societal level to promote safe and healthy food options.

Unhealthy diet is one of theleading risks for the global burden of disease, mainly for noncommunicablediseases such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and cancer.
In both adults and children, the intake of free sugars should be reduced.
Effects of total fat intake on body weight.
Excess calories from foods and drinks high in free sugars also contribute to unhealthy weight gain, which can lead to overweight and obesity.
Smoking tobacco causes NCDs such as lung disease, heart disease and stroke.
Strengthening our primary healthcare systems to deliver inclusive, equitable care is essential and is our preferred approach to achieving UHC.
Being free of disease or infirmity is not a requirement for healthy ageing, as many older adults have one or more health conditions that, when well controlled, have little influence on their wellbeing.
Here are 10 practical health tips to help you start off towards healthy living in 2025.
Hand hygiene is critical not only for health workers but for everyone.

In addition, the proliferation of highlyprocessed food, supported by aggressive marketing, rapid unplanned urbanizationand changing lifestyles have contributed to more people eating unhealthy dietshigh in energy, free sugars, salt, saturated fats and trans fats. Unhealthy diet is one of theleading risks for the global burden of disease, mainly for noncommunicablediseases such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and cancer. WHO continuously updates the guidance on what constitutes a healthy diet to prevent all forms of malnutrition and promote well-being in different population groups across the life course and on how different nutrients and foods contribute to it. This is because many people who have hypertension may not be aware of the problem as it may not have any symptoms. Increase moderate-intensity physical activity to 300 minutes per week for additional health benefits. The amount of physical activity you need depends on your age group but adults aged years should do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity throughout the week. Once you do, you will experience immediate and long-term health benefits.

WHO/Europe quick buy policies – focus on healthier diets

ShimizuRegular check-ups can help find health problems before they start. Hand hygiene is critical not only for health workers but for everyone. Make sure you only take antibiotics if prescribed by a qualified health professional.

Healthy ageing,like active ageing, emphasizes the need for action across multiple sectors andenabling older people to remain a resource to their families, communities andeconomies.
However, healthy diets can be inaccessible, particularly in low- andmiddle-income countries, and also in places and situations with high rates offood insecurity.
Vitamin A deficiency remains a leading cause of preventable blindness in children and also increases the risks of severe illness or death from infections....
WHO continuously updates the guidance on what constitutes a healthy diet to prevent all forms of malnutrition and promote well-being in different population groups across the life course and on how different nutrients and foods contribute to it.
WHO/Europe is advancing nutrition and obesity prevention by supporting countries in implementing evidence-based policies that reshape food environments and strengthen health systems.
In 2010, the Health Assembly endorsed a set of recommendations on the marketing of foods and non-alcoholic beverages to children (15).
This means that when we improve the health of our people today, the effects ripple across time and to uplift generations yet unborn.
A healthy diet starts early in life with adequate breastfeeding.The benefits of a healthy diet are reflected in higher educational outcomes,productivity and lifelong health.

Nutritious, safe diets are essential before and during pregnancy and while breastfeeding to support maternal and child health. If left uncontrolled, hypertension can lead to heart, brain, kidney and other diseases. There are different types of fats, but unsaturated fats are preferable over saturated fats and trans-fats. By promoting comprehensive strategies, WHO/Europe helps countries to create healthier environments that empower people to make nutritious choices and reduce NCD risks. Investing in policies and interventions that promote better diets, improve food systems and reduce alcohol use can contribute to healthier and more sustainable living environments across the WHO European Region. The following list of principles for a healthy diet was compiled on the basis of WHO recommendations. However, the basic principles of what constitutes a healthy diet remain the same. In both adults and children, the intake of free sugars should be reduced.

Salt, sodium and potassium

Launch of the WHO guideline on policies and interventions to create healthy school food environments However, the basic principles of healthy diets remain the same for everyone. A healthy diet starts early in life with adequate breastfeeding.The benefits of a healthy diet are reflected in higher educational outcomes,productivity and lifelong health. Here is some useful information, based on WHO recommendations, to follow a healthy diet, and the benefits of doing so. Antibiotic resistance is one of the biggest public health threats in our generation. If your blood pressure is high, get the advice of a health worker. Have your blood pressure checked regularly by a health worker so you know your numbers.