This year marks the 60th anniversary of WHO. This special occasion presents WHO with an opportunity to celebrate achievements in global public health over the last 60 years, demonstrate the impact of WHO's work and address challenges for the future.
WHO's 60th anniversary celebrations (WHO60) will consist of a variety of activities and events that will take place throughout the year, covering a range of public health issues and particularly emphasizing issues linked to WHO's six-point agenda.
Each department as well as countries and regions will have the opportunity to contribute to WHO60 by organizing or branding events under the WHO60 umbrella.
The overall framework for the year will be structured as follows:
A historical look: January - March 2008
· A January event at WHO's Executive Board and the launch of the WHO60 photo exhibition.
· Subsequent activities in February and March that will focus on major achievements in public health over the past 60 years.
The future: April - December 2008
· From April 2008 onward, a series of communications events charting out WHO's future direction will highlight cutting edge themes such as protecting health from climate change, the future of primary health care and information and communication technologies.
· Two major milestones during WHO60 will include World Health Day (WHD) on 7 April 2008, followed by the World Health Assembly in May 2008.
