7 April was marked World Health Day to commemorate the founding of the World Health Organisation (WHO). This year's theme, "Our planet, our health", underscores the importance of protecting planet health as a means to secure human health and well-being.

There are inextricable linkages between our health and our natural environment. An estimated 13 million people die from avoidable environmental causes globally each year. More than 90% of people breathe unhealthy air due to fossil fuel burning, causing diseases like lung cancer, heart disease and stroke. Rising temperatures and floods are expected to put two billion people at risk of dengue. 

In response, WHO is calling for accelerated action toward keeping humans and the planet healthy, and creating societies that are committed to achieving equitable health and social outcomes. Collective action from governments, corporations and individuals will be required to break the current destructive cycles. It is time to reimagine a world where clean air, water and food are available to all.