Posted on 7-April-2019   by Imogen Jones

Health Awareness Events 2019

Every year numerous health awareness events are organised in the UK and internationally, drawing attention to different health issues.

Many charities and organisations have created a dedicated day, week or even month to encourage fundraising and raise awareness of their cause. We’ve gathered a few here, all happening in 2019 which may be of interest to you.

Click on the title of each to find out more and see what resources are available.

April

1-7 April: Diabetes Prevention Week

This April, the NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme (NHS DPP) is holding the second Diabetes Prevention Week with Diabetes UK to raise awareness of their Healthier You programme. This is a free service run by the NHS to help reduce the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.

7 April: World Health Day

World Health Day marks the anniversary of the founding of the World Health Organisation in 1948. Each year a theme is selected that highlights a priority area of public health concern in the world – the 2019 theme is ‘Universal health coverage: everyone, everywhere’.

17 April: World Haemophilia Day
World Haemophilia Day focuses on the care and treatment of blood disorders, and is a good time to highlight the management of blood-related disorders.

24-30 April: European Immunisation Week

European Immunisation Week promotes the core message that immunisation of every child is vital to prevent diseases and protect life. The goal is to raise awareness and increase vaccination coverage by showcasing the importance of immunisation.

May

5 May: Save lives: clean Your Hands

Infection Prevention and Control, including hand hygiene, is critical to achieve UHC as it is a practical and evidence-based approach with demonstrated impact on quality of care and patient safety across all levels of the health system. The ‘5 Moments for Hand Hygiene’ are not just for hospitals, every setting should be targeted which will in turn support people centred quality health services and quality health for all, in line with this year’s campaign theme – Clean care for all – it’s in your hands.

12 May: Nurses Day

On Sunday 12 May, RCN members across the UK will unite to celebrate Nurses’ Day by holding parties in their workplace – collectively taking part in the UK’s Biggest Nursing Party.

June

11-17 June: Diabetes Week 

Diabetes Week is an annual highlight in the Diabetes UK calendar, as it’s a time when supporters are brought together to raise awareness of the condition and the vital funds required for future work.

14 June: World Blood Donor Day

World Blood Donor Day raises awareness of the need for safe blood and blood products and to thank voluntary unpaid blood donors for their life-saving gifts of blood.

15 – 21 June: Men’s Health Week

Led by the Men’s Health Forum, the purpose of Men’s Health Week is to raise awareness of preventable health issues and encourage men and boys to seek professional advice for health related problems.

September

September: National Blood Cancer Awareness Month

Supported by some of the UKs biggest blood cancer charities, including Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research and Anthony Nolan, September is the month to raise awareness of how to improve treatments for blood cancer and increase the number of lives saved. There are many opportunities to fund raise or increase awareness using the #BloodCancerAwarenessMonth handle.

13 September: World Sepsis Day

World Sepsis Day is held on September 13th every year and is an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against sepsis. Sepsis accounts for at least 7 to 9 million deaths worldwide annually. Yet, depending on country and education, sepsis is known only to 7 – 50 % of the people. Likewise, it is poorly known that sepsis can be prevented by vaccination and clean care and that early recognition and treatment reduces sepsis mortality by 50 %. This lack of knowledge makes sepsis the number one preventable cause of death worldwide.

09-15 September: Know Your Numbers! Week

Blood Pressure UK’s flagship blood pressure testing and awareness campaign encourages adults to know their blood pressure numbers and take the necessary action to reach and maintain a healthy blood pressure. This year around 250,000 free checks will be available across the UK.

October

14-20 October: International Infection Prevention Control Week

Infection Prevention is everyone’s responsibility. Each of us; patients, families and healthcare personnel has an important role to play in keeping patients safe from infection. First and foremost, know the basics of infection prevention. Do your part – and hand hygiene is key! Whether you’re in a healthcare facility or in the community, there are things healthcare professionals, patients, and family members can do to stay safe from infections.

November

14 November: World Diabetes Day

World Diabetes Day falls every year on 14 November and is a day when millions of people around the world come together to raise awareness of diabetes, and what it’s really like to live with the condition. It’s a global campaign led by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) with activity taking place around the world.

17-24 November: National HIV Testing Week

National HIV Testing Week (NHTW) is an annual event which seeks to promote regular testing among key populations. It aims to reduce the numbers of undiagnosed people and those diagnosed late. It is held every November ahead of World AIDS Day. Order resource from the website.

December

1 December: World Aids Day

World AIDS Day is an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV, show their support for people living with HIV and to commemorate people who have died.

*Image from [pedrosek] © 123RF.com