April 7 marks the anniversary of the founding of the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1948, and is now celebrated as World Health Day. Each year the WHO draws attention to a specific health topic of concern to people all around the world. This year’s theme is “Together for health. Stand with science”, to affirm the power of scientific collaboration to protect the health of people, animals, plants, and the planet. The year‑long campaign will spotlight scientific achievements for health and the multilateral cooperation that is needed to turn evidence into action.
This World Health Day, we encourage you to read Turning Sunshine Into Water, to learn how science and technology are helping to harness solar energy to support local water systems in Ethiopia.
“After this solar installation, for the first time, water flows every morning, even during the dry season, without interruption from fuel shortages or generator breakdowns. The sun no longer only brings too much heat to dry up our water sources. Now, it brings us water, which is life and hope.” — Fatuma Kedir, a 23-year-old mother living in the village of Kurfa Roka, Oromia, Ethiopia
