World Health Day is observed globally every 7 April, and is a day to recognize all those who work in health care worldwide and the importance of health for all. This year’s theme is “Together for health. Stand with science,” celebrating the power of scientific collaboration to protect the health of people, animals, plants, and the planet.
In a world facing complex health threats, we need everyone to stand with science – by engaging with evidence, facts, and science-based guidance to protect health. Around the world, health systems are under pressure from complex threats, including misinformation and disinformation. Although it’s easy to access health information, not all of it is evidence-based or reliable. Unfortunately, misinformation and disinformation spread rapidly, often faster than facts. This is evident in how false claims about vaccines circulate online, raising doubts about their safety or effectiveness despite robust scientific evidence. When false or misleading information like this spreads widely, it erodes trust, delays people accessing health services, and endangers lives. This loss of trust impacts institutions, families, and communities as a whole.
In the face of uncertainty and mistrust, science provides a strong foundation for public health. Vaccines, safe water, effective tests, medicines and treatments, and infection prevention and control practices have saved millions of lives globally, including those in the Pacific island countries and areas (PICs) we support: American Samoa, Cook Islands, Niue, Samoa, and Tokelau. These public health gains were built through careful research, testing, learning from experience, and applying evidence in ways that serve communities. Science helped shape the health services people rely on every day.
Trust in science grows when information is transparent, accountable, and clearly grounded in evidence. Reliable health advice is built through observation, testing and ongoing learning. As new facts emerge, guidance from the World Health Organization (WHO), health ministries and departments, and other trusted sources evolves, to ensure the best outcomes possible.
Across the Pacific nations, standing with science also means recognizing that knowledge comes in many forms. Indigenous knowledge and cultural practices have long guided how communities care for health and well-being. Indigenous knowledge contributes to the evidence base that strengthens understanding and improves health outcomes.
When it comes to standing with science and health, every person has a role to play. Ask questions about health issues that matter to you and your family. Seek answers from trusted sources such as the ministries or departments of health, WHO, and other official public health authorities. Make informed choices and ensure responsible sharing of reliable information.
The health and well-being of people and communities in our PICs, as in all nations, depend on cooperation, trust, and science-led action. Evidence-based decisions strengthen health systems, support the health workers delivering care, and protect families and communities. This is how trust is built, and how lives are saved.
On this World Health Day, let us stand together for science to protect the health and well-being of current and future generations.