Mark your diaries — global awareness days as supported by the United Nations
UN observance days spotlight critical health themes throughout the year. They raise awareness among the public, healthcare workers, and policymakers. This sparks discussions, events, and collaborations to tackle health challenges. From World Health Day promoting universal healthcare access to World Patient Safety Day urging safe medication practices, these UN days are a chance to unite and advocate for a healthier world.
Here are the top six that caught our interest:
World Health Day (April 7th): This day is dedicated to global health awareness and this year’s theme is “Universal health coverage: everyone, everywhere”. This theme is highly relevant to medicine management and polypharmacy as it ensures that everyone, regardless of their location or socioeconomic status, has access to the medicines they need.
World Patient Safety Day (September 17th): This day is dedicated to raising awareness of patient safety and reducing the harm that can be caused by medical errors. Polypharmacy can increase the risk of medication errors, so this day is important for promoting safe medication management practices.
International Day of Older Persons (October 1st): As people age, they are more likely to take multiple medications. This day is an opportunity to raise awareness of the challenges of polypharmacy in older adults and to promote safe and effective medication management practices for this population group.
World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (November 18th-24th): This week is dedicated to raising awareness of the threat of antimicrobial resistance and promoting the prudent use of antibiotics. Polypharmacy can contribute to antimicrobial resistance, so this week is important for promoting the appropriate use of all medications, including antibiotics.
Universal Health Coverage Day (December 12th): This day is dedicated to achieving universal health coverage, which includes access to essential medicines. This day is important for promoting affordable and equitable access to the medicines that people need to manage their health conditions.
World Mental Health Day (October 10th): Polypharmacy is a common issue in people with mental health conditions. This day is an opportunity to raise awareness of the mental health challenges associated with polypharmacy and to promote effective medication management practices for people with mental health conditions.
Why engage?
There are numerous compelling reasons to actively participate in United Nations (UN) observance days that focus on medicine management and the complexities of polypharmacy. These designated days are not merely symbolic; they serve as pivotal moments for raising awareness, initiating action, and driving advocacy on crucial health matters.
Raising Awareness: UN observance days offer a unique platform to inform the general public about the critical aspects of medication use, shedding light on the risks associated with polypharmacy and the necessity of managing medications safely. For healthcare professionals, these days reinforce the need to stay abreast of the latest best practices in polypharmacy management. Moreover, they provide an opportunity for policymakers to recognize and prioritize actions that enhance medication safety and address polypharmacy challenges effectively.
Sparking Action: These observances act as catalysts for launching various initiatives and events aimed at promoting the safe use of medications. From workshops and educational sessions to comprehensive public health campaigns, they inspire efforts that underscore the importance of medication safety. Additionally, UN days encourage collaboration among diverse stakeholders, including healthcare providers, patient advocacy groups, and government entities, fostering a united approach to tackle the intricacies of polypharmacy.
Advocating for Progress: By participating in these observance days, individuals and organizations can highlight the ongoing challenges associated with polypharmacy. This spotlight can advocate for enhanced medication prescribing practices, more robust systems for monitoring drug interactions, and broader access to medication management services. Furthermore, engaging in these observances contributes to a global dialogue on medication safety, potentially influencing international efforts to improve health outcomes worldwide.
The long view
We believe leveraging UN observance days related to medicine management and polypharmacy can significantly impact public health by enhancing awareness, stimulating proactive initiatives, and advocating for systemic improvements in healthcare practices. Will you join us?
