WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY – OCTOBER 10, 2025

"Access to Services – Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies"

World Mental Health Day is celebrated every year on 10 October, initiated by the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH) in 1992 and supported by the World Health Organization (WHO), the day highlights the importance of mental health as an integral part of overall health.

Globally, about 1 in 7 people (or over 1 billion) live with a mental health disorder noting that conditions like anxiety and depression are widespread across all ages and populations.

The 2025 theme, set by the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH), is “Access to Services – Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies.” This year’s theme highlights the urgent need to address the psychological and emotional needs of people affected by humanitarian crises. Disasters, conflicts, and health emergencies often lead to significant distress, with nearly one in five individuals developing a mental health condition. Experiencing fear, anxiety or sadness in such circumstances is a normal reaction to very stressful events. Beyond food, water, and medicine, survivors also need mental health and psychosocial support. Providing timely support in such situations is life-saving — it helps people cope, recover, and rebuild both personally and as part of their communities. To achieve this, collaboration is vital: governments, healthcare workers, educators, and community organizations must unite to ensure vulnerable groups receive the care they need while safeguarding collective well-being. Investing in evidence-based, community-centered approaches not only addresses immediate challenges but also strengthens resilience and fosters long-term recovery.

On this World Mental Health Day, let us commit to building a future where mental health is recognized, prioritized, and accessible to all, especially in times of crisis.

World Trauma Day, observed annually on October 17, raises awareness about trauma from accidents and injuries and its impact on individuals, families, and communities. The day emphasises prevention, preparedness, and timely emergency response. Globally, communities organise workshops, safety campaigns, and training programmes to strengthen trauma care and reduce injury-related deaths.

Why It Matters

In India, trauma from preventable accidents and injuries is a leading cause of death and disability, especially among young adults. According to the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH), 1,68,491 deaths occurred in 2022 due to road accidents. Trauma from burns, falls, drowning, workplace injuries, assaults, and disaster-related injuries also contributes to the country’s significant burden of mortality, long-term disability, and economic loss.

In Kerala, the state recorded 48,800 road accidents which resulted in 3,714 deaths, and 54,700 injuries in 2024 (Kerala MVD). Beyond RTAs, domestic burns, occupational injuries, and falls among the elderly are major concerns. These incidents often lead to high treatment costs, loss of income, and social stress, highlighting the need for preventive action and robust trauma care systems.

What Do We Do

● Prevention First: Follow road safety rules, use protective gear, and ensure home and workplace safety.

● Rapid Response: Learn first aid and basic life support (BLS); call 108 emergency helpline immediately. The first hour, the “Golden Hour”, is critical for saving lives.

● Organisational Role: Ensure safe roads, proper signage, pedestrian walkways, and trauma care facilities, alongside regular awareness campaigns.

International Day for Climate Action – October 24

The International Day for Climate Action, observed every year on October 24 since 2009, serves as a powerful reminder of the urgent need to address climate change. The day aims to raise awareness and inspire collective action to safeguard our planet’s future.

Climate Action includes all efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and strengthen our ability to adapt to climate impacts. It is about preserving the planet’s natural beauty, protecting communities, and ensuring a healthier, sustainable future for all.

This day calls upon governments, businesses, and individuals alike to take concrete steps—big and small—towards building a climate-resilient world. The message is clear: when we act together with commitment, we can turn the tide and create a better planet for generations to come.

Climate Action in Kerala

1. Kerala State Action Plan on Climate Change (KSAPCC) - Roadmap for climate resilience in water, agriculture, fisheries, coastal zones, and health.

2. Kerala State Climate Change Adaptation Mission (KSC-CAM) - Implements climate adaptation projects statewide; Strengthens community resilience to climate impacts; and collaborates with departments, panchayats, and research institutions for sustainable solutions.

3. Department of Environment and Climate Change (DoECC) - Coordinates state-level initiatives, policies, and awareness campaigns.

4. Suchitwa Mission & Haritha Kerala Mission - Promote waste management, afforestation, and environmental cleanliness.

World Stroke Day 2025:

Bringing Stroke Advocacy and Awareness Together to Drive Action

Strokes are one of the leading causes of death and disability worldwide, and their numbers are still rising. From 1990 to 2021, new stroke cases increased by 70%, deaths went up by 44%. This shows how important it is to raise awareness and focus on prevention.
Every year on October 29, the world comes together to observe World Stroke Day, a global initiative that spreads awareness about stroke prevention, treatment, and recovery. The 2025 theme, “Bringing Stroke Advocacy and Awareness Together to Drive Action,” calls on communities, healthcare professionals, and policymakers to work together to reduce stroke risk and improve recovery outcomes. Recognising a stroke early can save lives - remember the FAST signs: F - Facial drooping, A - Arm weakness, S - Speech difficulty, T - Time to call emergency services immediately.
Recognising the factors that increase your stroke risk helps you make positive changes for prevention. Some risks can’t be changed - like age, gender, family history, or a previous stroke - but many can. High blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking, unhealthy diet, lack of exercise, obesity, stress, and excessive alcohol consumption are all preventable risk factors. You can lower your risk by eating a balanced diet, staying active, getting regular health checks, avoiding tobacco and alcohol, and managing stress and sleep. By spreading awareness, recognising the signs early, and focusing on prevention, we can save lives, reduce brain damage, and help survivors recover better.
Act FAST - every second counts

World Pneumonia Day 2025

Every Breath Counts | November 12

Pneumonia silently steals a life every 2 minutes — mostly children under five.

But it doesn’t have to.

Clean air

Vaccination

Early care

Good nutrition

These simple actions can save lives and lungs.

Every breath — from a baby’s first cry to an elder’s gentle sigh — matters.

Let’s protect every one.

Together, we can make Every Breath Count.

World Diabetes Day 2025

Theme: Diabetes and Well-being

Diabetes is a chronic condition characterized by the body’s inability to regulate blood glucose effectively, which over time may result in complications involving the heart, kidneys, eyes, and nerves.

India, with 8.98 crore individuals affected, has the world’s second-highest number of people living with diabetes. Despite advances in awareness and care, many remain undiagnosed or inadequately treated, affecting their overall quality of life.

In Kerala, nearly one in four adults lives with diabetes, and diabetes-related deaths have nearly doubled over the past decade—underscoring the need for a holistic approach that emphasizes prevention, early detection, equitable healthcare access, mental health support, and environments that promote active living.

Observed on November 14, World Diabetes Day highlights the importance of promoting overall well-being for people living with diabetes. Diabetes care isn’t just about blood sugar levels — it’s about feeling well, inside and out. That means:

Eating balanced meals

Staying active

Caring for mental health

Getting regular check-ups

This World Diabetes Day, let’s continue working towards advancing awareness, care, and support for people living with diabetes. Let’s make well-being a daily habit — for ourselves, our families, and our communities. Together, we can create a healthier Kerala.

The theme “Overcoming Disruption, Transforming the AIDS Response” for World AIDS Day 2025 highlights the urgent need to rebuild and strengthen global efforts against HIV in the face of growing challenges. The global HIV response has suffered serious disruptions in prevention, testing, treatment and community-led services due to drops in international funding, structural barriers and shifting health priorities. Yet despite these setbacks, communities, health systems and innovators remain committed to restoring access and pushing forward with renewed determination. World AIDS Day 2025 calls on countries to integrate HIV services into primary health care — making prevention, diagnosis and treatment more accessible and to address inequities and stigma that continue to drive the epidemic. It also underscores the importance of innovation, including new prevention tools and community-based approaches, as well as the central role of people living with HIV and their communities in shaping a rights-based, inclusive response. World AIDS Day 2025 is a call for renewed global commitment, solidarity and action to protect the gains made so far and ensure no one is left behind in the fight against HIV.

National Pollution Prevention Day 2025: Sustainable Living for a Greener Future

December 2 is observed as National Pollution Prevention Day in India, in remembrance of the thousands of people who lost their lives in the tragic Bhopal Gas Calamity. This day serves as a solemn reminder of the critical importance of environmental protection, strict pollution control measures, and safe industrial practices. It urges us to reflect on the lessons learned from the disaster and reinforces the need to ensure that such incidents never recur.

The theme for National Pollution Prevention Day 2025, “Sustainable Living for a Greener Future,” underscores the global commitment to sustainable development. It highlights the need for collective efforts from individuals, communities, and industries to adopt environmentally responsible practices that minimize pollution and protect ecosystems. The theme also emphasizes strengthening pollution control awareness and promoting practices that contribute to a cleaner and healthier environment.

This day reminds us of our shared responsibility to safeguard the planet. By prioritizing sustainability, enforcing industrial safety, and fostering environmental consciousness, we move closer to building a safer, greener, and more resilient future for all.

International Day of Persons with Disabilities - 2025 December 3

The United Nations General Assembly observes December 3 as the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD), calling for action at national, regional, and international levels to promote equal opportunities, rehabilitation, and prevention of disabilities. The purpose of the Day is to raise awareness about disability issues, uphold the dignity and rights of persons with disabilities, and highlight the benefits of their full participation in political, social, economic, and cultural life.

In 2025, the IDPD will be commemorated under the theme “Fostering disability inclusive societies for advancing social progress.” This theme reflects the commitments made at the Second World Summit for Social Development, held in Doha in November 2025, where global leaders pledged to build a fair, inclusive, and equitable world. The Doha Political Declaration emphasized that genuine social progress cannot be achieved without the active inclusion, participation, and leadership of persons with disabilities

Eye Donation Fortnight: Lighting Lives Through Sight Every year, from 25th August to 8th September, India observes Eye Donation Fortnight to raise awareness about the importance of eye donation. Corneal blindness is one of the leading causes of preventable blindness, and for many, a corneal transplant is the only hope of regaining sight. Yet, the demand for donor corneas far exceeds availability. . Eye donation — the simple act of donating the cornea after death — can restore vision to two individuals, making it a noble gift that continues to benefit lives even after one’s lifetime. Almost anyone can be a donor, regardless of age, gender, or health conditions like diabetes or hypertension, provided the cornea is collected within six hours after death. Pledging eyes is free, voluntary, and begins by registering with an eye bank and informing family members. The process is quick, respectful, and does not cause disfigurement. Eye Donation Fortnight is not just an awareness campaign but a call to action — a reminder that each of us can transform lives. By pledging, we extend our vision beyond our lifetime, turning loss into a gift of hope and independence. How to Pledge Your Eyes in Kerala • Kerala State Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (KSOTTO)-https://ksotto.kerala.gov.in • Regional Institute of Ophthalmology (RIO), Thiruvananthapuram • Government Medical College Hospitals across Kerala • Government-approved Eye Banks