Billions of people around the world will be celebrating major religious holidays this week, which is also National Public Health Week. Observed April 3-9, NPHW 2023 will overlap with Ramadan, Passover and Easter.  

This year’s NPHW theme, “Centering and Celebrating Cultures in Health,” fits well with the conjunction of public health and faith. For many people, culture, faith and health are intertwined. Many religious traditions work in tandem with public health practices, such as community, family and food. 

“Faith and spirituality have long shown connections with health, both physically and mentally,” Lindsey Wahowiak, APHA’s director of Affiliate affairs told The Nation’s Health. “As we mark NPHW this year, we send well wishes to those who are observing their faith and traditions.”

Ramadan, which began last week and ends April 21, is the holiest period of the year for Muslims, billions of whom will reflect, fast and pray. Muslims will also commemorate the end of the month-long observance with Eid al-Fitr, the “Festival of Breaking Fast.”

On April 9, millions of Christians around the world will observe Easter. Friends, families and communities will gather to reflect, worship and celebrate in ways that are special to them, including group meals, egg hunts and parades.

Starting midway through NPHW is Passover, which is observed by millions of Jewish people around the world. The April 5-13 event includes abstinence from leavened food, telling of stories and the Seder feast.

In recognition of the religious observances, APHA’s NPHW events have been scheduled so they don’t conflict with traditions. Participants can find NPHW activities in their area and share their events. 

Visit the NPHW website to dig into the week’s daily topics and learn how different populations have been working to improve their communities’ health for generations. And use APHA’s social media shareables, available in English and Spanish, to spread the word about NPHW.

Ramadan mubarak, chag sameach, happy Easter — and have a fantastic National Public Health Week!

Image courtesy Freepik