Today is World Health Day, a day when we celebrate the progress we have made in global health and call attention to the challenges that remain. The history of World Health Day dates back to 1948, when the first World Health Assembly was held in Geneva. At that meeting, the Assembly decided to establish World Health Day as a way to commemorate the founding of the World Health Organization (WHO). The first World Health Day was celebrated in 1950, and since then it has been observed every year on April 7. Every World Health Day has a different theme, chosen by the WHO, to focus attention on a particular health issue. This year's theme is "Universal Health Coverage: Everyone, Everywhere," which is a goal that the WHO is working towards. Universal health coverage means that everyone, regardless of who they are or where they live, has access to the health care they need, when they need it, without financial hardship. The WHO estimates that currently, half of the world's population does not have access to essential health care. That means there are 3.5 billion people who cannot see a doctor or get the medicines they need. The goal of universal health coverage is to make sure that everyone has access to the health care they need, regardless of who they are or where they live. There are many barriers to achieving universal health coverage, but the WHO is working hard to overcome them. Some of the challenges include: - ensuring that all people have access to essential health services; - providing quality health care that meets people's needs; - reducing financial barriers to health care; and - protecting people against the financial risks of illness. The WHO is committed to helping countries achieve universal health coverage, so that everyone can enjoy the benefits of good health.