In April, we celebrate World Health Day (April 7) and DNA Day (April 25).

These two areas of focus remind us of the role that healthcare service workers play to support and act on such ground-breaking research. Especially in these recent times while we’re experiencing the impact of COVID-19 in all areas of the country, their work has never been more recognized or top of mind to help not only children, but all Canadians.

This year, World Health Day is guided by a new campaign to “build a fairer, healthier world”*. We’re on board with this mission, as CCHF believes in delivering the right care in the right place at the right time. Excellent paediatric care should be the experience of every Canadian youth and child at every point in the continuum of care. Canada’s children’s hospitals are working on improving access to healthcare and health information in every corner of every province.

Improving children’s health can’t be accomplished without adequate research. DNA Day, which was founded by the US NIH National Human Genome Research Institute after the Human Genome Project was completed in 2003 (as well as the initial discovery of DNA’s double helix in 1953), is shining an important light on the accomplishments made through research. When it comes to kids, Canada’s children’s hospitals are at the forefront of every major medical advancement affecting the health of Canada’s kids. Research has propelled significant advances in technology and genetics that have lead to treatments that are less invasive, less harmful to growing bodies and more effective.

Thanks to your support, we’re helping hospitals change the outcome for sick children.

References:

*https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-health-day/2021