Policy Update
Naushaba
April marks the onset of spring in many parts of the world, symbolising renewal, growth, and transformation. It’s a month filled with global observances and awareness days, each celebrating diverse aspects of humanity, nature, and cultural history. These are the key observances celebrated throughout the month of April.
April 2 – World Autism Awareness Day
World Autism Awareness Day, observed annually on April 2, seeks to promote understanding, acceptance, and inclusion of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterised by challenges in social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviours, with a wide range of severity and manifestations. The day highlights the importance of recognising neurodiversity and advocating for the rights and support of those living with autism. Awareness campaigns encourage inclusive education, equal employment opportunities, and accessible healthcare for people with ASD, fostering a more compassionate and inclusive society.
April 5 – International Day for Mine Awareness
The International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action, observed on April 5, draws attention to the dangers posed by landmines and explosive remnants of war (ERW). These refer to unexploded ordnance and abandoned explosive devices left behind after armed conflict, posing ongoing risks to civilians and hindering post-war recovery. It emphasises the need for demining efforts, risk education, and victim assistance to create safer communities worldwide. The day also highlights the humanitarian efforts aimed at clearing mines and raising awareness about the ongoing threat they pose to civilians, particularly in post-conflict regions.
April 5 – National Maritime Day (India)
India observes National Maritime Day on April 5 to honour the rich maritime heritage and celebrate the role of shipping in the nation’s economy. The day commemorates the maiden voyage of the SS Loyalty, the first Indian-owned ship to sail from Mumbai to London in 1919. National Maritime Day also highlights the contributions of seafarers and the shipping industry in promoting global trade and economic growth, while encouraging efforts to enhance maritime safety and environmental protection.
World Health Day, celebrated on April 7, marks the founding of the World Health Organization (WHO) and serves as a global health awareness day. Each year, the day highlights a specific health theme, drawing attention to pressing health challenges worldwide. “My Health, My Right” was the theme for the year 2024. The aim is to promote universal health care, access to essential medicines, and the well-being of all individuals, emphasising the need for health equity and fostering initiatives for healthier societies.
April 10 – World Homeopathy Day
World Homeopathy Day is observed on April 10 to honour the birthday of Dr Samuel Hahnemann, the founder of homeopathy. The day focuses on raising awareness about the benefits of homoeopathy as a form of alternative medicine and its contribution to holistic health. It encourages research and development in the field while promoting the integration of homeopathy into modern healthcare systems to offer patients diverse treatment options.
April 11 – National Safe Motherhood Day (India)
National Safe Motherhood Day is observed in India on April 11 to promote awareness about maternal health and the importance of ensuring safe pregnancies and childbirths. The day aims to reduce maternal mortality and morbidity by advocating for accessible healthcare, nutrition, and education for expectant mothers. It also emphasises the importance of government policies and public health initiatives in improving the well-being of mothers across the country.
As per recent reports, India’s maternal mortality rate has significantly decreased from 130 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2014-16 to 97 per 100,000 live births in 2018-2020. The percentage of institutional deliveries, which are crucial for reducing maternal and child mortality, has improved. Also, about 58.1% of pregnant women in India receive at least four antenatal care visits, which is vital for monitoring pregnancy and identifying risks.
April 12 – International Day of Human Space Flight
April 12 marks the International Day of Human Space Flight, celebrating the historic moment when Yuri Gagarin became the first human to journey into outer space in 1961. The day honours the spirit of exploration, scientific discovery, and technological advancements in space exploration. It also highlights the importance of international cooperation in space research and its potential for enhancing humans’s understanding of the universe. It not only honours past milestones but also highlights current advances in international space cooperation and the future of space science, fostering interest in STEM fields among younger generations.
April 17 – World Haemophilia Day
World Haemophilia Day, observed on April 17, aims to raise awareness about haemophilia and other bleeding disorders. Haemophilia is a genetic disorder where the blood lacks sufficient clotting factors, leading to excessive bleeding from even minor injuries or spontaneous internal bleeding. This day emphasises the importance of proper diagnosis, treatment, and care for individuals living with these conditions. By fostering global conversations and highlighting the challenges faced by patients, the day encourages collaboration between healthcare providers, governments, and organisations to improve the quality of life for those affected.
World Heritage Day, celebrated on April 18, is dedicated to the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage across the globe. Also known as the International Day for Monuments and Sites, it draws attention to the diversity of world cultures, the importance of safeguarding historical monuments, and the need for conservation efforts. This day serves as a reminder of the shared responsibility to protect and cherish humanity’s cultural legacies for future generations.
April 21 – National Civil Service Day
National Civil Service Day, observed on April 21 in India, honours the dedication and commitment of civil servants to public service. It is a day to recognise their vital role in nation-building and governance. Celebrated since 2006, the day is marked by discussions, conferences, and the presentation of awards to exemplary civil servants for their contributions. It serves as a reminder of the responsibility that civil servants carry in implementing policies and serving the citizens, reinforcing the values of efficiency, integrity, and accountability in public administration.
April 21 – Secretaries’ Day
Secretaries’ Day, celebrated on April 21, recognises the invaluable contributions of administrative professionals in maintaining the smooth functioning of workplaces. This day is a tribute to the dedication, organisational skills, and efficiency that secretaries, office managers, and other administrative staff bring to their roles. It serves as a reminder of their essential role in businesses, offices, and organising, ensuring day-to-day operations run seamlessly.
Earth Day, observed annually on April 22, is a global event that promotes environmental protection and sustainability. It serves as a platform for raising awareness about climate change, pollution, deforestation, and biodiversity loss. On this day, individuals, communities, and governments unite to advocate for policies and actions that prioritise the health of the planet, emphasising the urgent need to safeguard Earth’s resources for future generations. The 2024 theme for Earth Day was “Planet vs. Plastics,” emphasising on the need to drastically reduce plastic production by 60% by the year 2040.
April 23 – World Book and Copyright Day
World Book and Copyright Day, celebrated on April 23, recognises the transformative power of books and reading in fostering education, culture, and knowledge sharing. It highlights the importance of protecting intellectual property through copyright laws, ensuring that authors and creators are compensated for their work. Copyright is essential as it protects the creators’ rights by granting them exclusive control over the use and distribution of their work, ensuring they receive recognition and financial benefit. It also promotes innovation by encouraging creative industries, balancing the interests of creators and the public. The day also serves as an opportunity to promote literacy, encourage a love for reading, and support the publishing industry.
April 24 – National Panchayati Raj Day (India)
National Panchayati Raj Day is observed in India on April 24 to commemorate the enactment of the 73rd Constitutional Amendment in 1993, which empowered local governance through Panchayati Raj institutions. The day celebrates the role of grassroots democracy in rural areas, highlighting the importance of local self-governance in ensuring citizen participation in decision-making. It also emphasises the need for effective governance and development at the village level. As of 2024, more than 2.3 lakh gram panchayats have been connected to high-speed broadband under the BharatNet program, facilitating e-governance and digital service delivery.
World Malaria Day, observed on April 25, aims to raise awareness about the global fight against malaria. It highlights the progress made in reducing malaria cases and deaths while calling attention to the need for sustained efforts to eliminate the disease. The day focuses on prevention, treatment, and research initiatives, advocating for stronger global cooperation to combat malaria, particularly in regions where it remains a major public health issue. Although significant progress was made from 2010 to 2020, reducing mortality by 36%, the recent spread of Anopheles stephensi—a mosquito vector known to spread malaria in urban areas—is a growing concern, particularly in Africa, where it could place an additional 126 million people at risk.
April 26 – World Intellectual Property Day
World Intellectual Property Day, celebrated on April 26, highlights the importance of protecting intellectual property rights, such as patents, copyrights, and trademarks, in fostering innovation and creativity. Established by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in 2000, this day encourages individuals and organisations to reflect on how intellectual property shapes our world by promoting advancements in technology, science, and the arts. It also aims to raise awareness about the role of IP in encouraging entrepreneurship and supporting economic growth, while emphasising the need for a balanced system that promotes access to knowledge and innovation.
April 28 – World Day for Safety and Health at Work
World Day for Safety and Health at Work, observed on April 28, is a global event focused on promoting safe and healthy working environments. Established by the International Labour Organization (ILO), this day highlights the importance of preventing work-related accidents, illnesses, and deaths. It encourages governments, employers, and workers to collaborate in improving workplace safety standards and fostering a culture of occupational health and safety. The day serves as a reminder that ensuring the well-being of workers is essential for maintaining productivity, sustainability, and dignity in the workforce.
April 29 – International Dance Day
International Dance Day, celebrated on April 29, honours the art of dance as a universal form of expression and creativity. Established by the International Theatre Institute, the day emphasises the cultural significance of dance across societies and encourages people to appreciate its diverse forms. It also advocates for greater access to dance education and highlights the role of dance in promoting health, unity, and cultural dialogue worldwide.
April (Last Sunday): World Veterinary Day
World Veterinary Day, celebrated on the last Saturday of April, acknowledges the essential role veterinarians play in animal health, welfare, and public health. Initiated by the World Veterinary Association (WVA) and the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), this day raises awareness about the challenges faced by the veterinary profession and the importance of veterinary services in disease prevention, food safety, and environmental protection. It is an opportunity to recognise the invaluable contributions veterinarians make to the well-being of animals and the communities they serve, advocating for better veterinary care and resources worldwide.
Hence, as April draws to a close, it leaves behind a legacy of global awareness, celebration, and reflection. From honouring the diverse aspects of human health, culture, and history to raising critical awareness about environmental issues and social responsibilities, the month encourages us to embrace change, growth, and understanding. April serves as a reminder that each day carries significance, fostering unity and prompting action on issues that shape our shared future. Let the spirit of April inspire continuous engagement, learning, and a commitment to making the world a better place.
About the Contributor: Naushaba (she/her/hers) is a research intern at the Impact and Policy Research Institute and a postgraduate student of the Academy of International Studies, Jamia Millia Islamia. Her research interests lie in Gender Studies, Global Politics, Climate Change and Sustainable Development.
Acknowledgement: The author would like to thank Deepa Baghel and Geetam for the successful completion of this article
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