The World Environmental Health Day, observed on September 26th, remains unrecognized as a Global Health Day by the World Health Organization (WHO).

This lack of recognition undermines the importance and impact of environmental/public health in the global public health agenda. Despite the day’s vital importance, advocacy efforts have been disjointed, political momentum remains weak, and it is often overshadowed by broader observances like World Environment Day or World Health Day. This has resulted in its unique environmental/public health value being underfunded, under-framed, and not sufficiently championed at global decision-making levels. 

Recognizing World Environmental Health Day as a WHO Global Health Day will not only provide it with the visibility, support, coordination, resources, and status it deserves but also highlight the undeniable link between environmental health and overall public health. By elevating its status, we can advance policy development, ensure adequate resource allocation, and foster international cooperation in addressing pressing environmental health issues such as climate change, pollution, and disease outbreaks directly tied to environmental factors.

We, the Environmental Public Health Association of Kenya (EPHAK), the Association of Public Health Officers - Kenya (APHOK) and the Kenya Environmental Health & Public Health Practitioners Union -(KEHPHPU) therefore call upon the Environmental/Public Health Associations across the six WHO regions — Africa, the Americas, South-East Asia, Europe, Eastern Mediterranean, and Western Pacific — to rally their members to sign this petition.

Together, we can build a united front to push for this significant change, bringing environmental health to the forefront of the global health agenda. 

Sign this Petition and contribute to a powerful movement advocating for a healthier planet and a healthier future for all. Let's ensure that the World Environmental Health Day receives the recognition it truly deserves.

Please sign and make a difference!