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IEC ,BCC Materials
IEC focuses on sharing knowledge and raising awareness through tools like media campaigns, workshops, and printed materials to inform and empower individuals. BCC builds on this by aiming to influence attitudes and behaviors, using strategic and interactive approaches such as counseling, community discussions, and targeted campaigns to encourage lasting positive change.
World Hemophilia Day
World Health Day
World Autism Awareness Day
World Hemophilia Day 2025 Theme: Access for All: Women and Girls Bleed Too On this global day of awareness, let us unite to shed light on hemophilia and other bleeding disorders, supporting the individuals and families impacted by these conditions. This year’s theme, “Access for All: Women and Girls Bleed Too,” challenges us to tackle the pressing issue in our community. Women and girls with bleeding disorders (WGBDs) are still underdiagnosed and underserved. The World Federation of Hemophilia (WFH) is leading the call for change, emphasizing the need for recognition, diagnosis, treatment, and care for women and girls living with these conditions. This is an opportunity to amplify their voices, share their stories, and advocate for improved access to care. Let’s work together to ensure that the quality of life for WGBDs improves, and the bleeding disorders community becomes stronger. Women and Girls with Bleeding Disorders, we want to hear your voices! Share your journey, inspire others, and join the movement for a future where care is available to all.
World Health Day, 07th April 2025
World Health Day is celebrated annually on the 7th of April and marks the anniversary of the founding of the World Health Organisation in 1948. As a global day of awareness, World Health Day commonly raises concerns for the millions of people across the globe who are vulnerable due to poor health or a lack of nutritional food and drink. This year, it will kick off a year-long campaign on maternal and newborn health. The campaign, titled “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures”, will urge governments and the health community to ramp up efforts to end preventable maternal and newborn deaths and to prioritize women’s longer-term health and well-being. The health of mothers and babies is the foundation of healthy families and communities, helping ensure hopeful futures for us all.
World Autism Awareness Day – April 2
World Autism Awareness Day is observed on April 2 each year to raise awareness and promote understanding of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects communication, social interaction, and behaviour, with each individual experiencing it differently.
Early symptoms of autism spectrum disorder typically appear before age three, affecting social interaction, communication, and behavior. Children may show limited eye contact, lack response to their name, prefer solitary play, and struggle with expressing emotions or developing speech. Repetitive behaviors like hand-flapping, rocking, and fixations on objects are common, along with a strong preference for routines and unusual sensory responses. Delayed speech, motor coordination difficulties, and regression of skills may also occur. Identifying these signs early is crucial, as timely intervention can improve developmental outcomes.
The day serves as a reminder to foster inclusivity, acceptance, and support for individuals with autism. Early diagnosis, intervention, and an inclusive society can help individuals with autism lead fulfilling lives. Let us work together to break stigmas, celebrate neurodiversity, and create a more supportive world for everyone.
World Hand Hygiene Day
National Dengue Day
World No Tobacco Day
World Hand Hygiene Day- May 5th, 2025
“It might be gloves. It is always hand hygiene”
Each year the "SAVE LIVES: Clean Your Hands" campaign aims to progress the goal of maintaining a global profile on the importance of hand hygiene in health care and to ‘bring people together’ in support of hand hygiene improvement globally. The 2025 theme “It might be gloves. It is always hand hygiene” emphasizes the importance of proper hand hygiene practices, even when gloves are used, and addresses the environmental impact of unnecessary glove use. Hand washing as a fundamental practice that can reduce disease transmission rates and protect individuals from getting infection if otherwise can be avoidable by following various water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) practices like using soaps for washing hands or using hand sanitizers wherever water availability is limited.
National Dengue Day
May 16
Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral illness caused by the dengue virus, transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito. In Kerala, the combination of a humid climate, frequent rains, and water storage practices creates ideal conditions for mosquito breeding, leading to a rise in dengue cases, especially during and after the monsoon season.
These mosquitoes breed in clean, stagnant water found in items like flower pots, discarded containers, coconut shells, and water tanks. They bite mainly during early morning and late afternoon hours.
Key Symptoms of Dengue:
Sudden high fever
Headache with pain behind the eyes
Joint and muscle pain
Nausea, vomiting
Skin rash appearing a few days after fever
In some cases, dengue can become severe and lead to complications. If you are experiencing these symptoms, immediately visit a doctor for proper evaluation and care. Early medical attention is essential to prevent the condition from worsening.
Simple Prevention Tips:
Eliminate stagnant water around your home
Keep water containers tightly closed
Use mosquito repellents and sleep under mosquito nets
Wear long-sleeved clothing
Participate in neighbourhood clean-up efforts
Even 10 minutes a week spent checking and cleaning your surroundings can help prevent breeding.
This May 16 – National Dengue Day, let’s commit to protecting our families and communities. Small efforts at home can lead to big changes for Kerala.
World No Tobacco Day 2025
The World Health Organisation (WHO) on every May 31 organises World No Tobacco Day, a global campaign to increase awareness of the negative consequences of tobacco use. The theme of World No Tobacco Day 2025 is "Unmasking the Appeal: Exposing Industry Tactics on Tobacco and Nicotine Products." The goal of this campaign is to expose the deceptive tactics used by the tobacco and nicotine industries to make their harmful products look appealing, especially to youngsters – this include the use of enticing product designs, attractive tastes, and glamorous marketing. The campaign aims to reduce youth initiation rates and assist current users in quitting by exposing their attraction to these items. World No Tobacco Day 2025 serves as a call to action for individuals, communities and
governments to recognize and counteract the tobacco industry’s tactics, promoting a healthier tobacco free future for all.
International Day Against Drug Abuse
& illicit Trafficking
World Environment Day
World Breast Feeding Week
International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking
June 26, 2025
Theme: “The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention. Break the Cycle.”
The International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, observed on June 26 each year, was established by the United Nations in 1987 to promote coordinated global and multi-sectoral efforts in addressing the health, social and legal consequences of drug misuse and illicit trafficking,
The 2025 United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) World Drug Report highlights increasing trends in synthetic drug use, rising health burdens, and the disproportionate impact on youth and communities. This year’s theme highlights the need to invest in prevention to break the cycle of addiction and organised crime. Stakeholders are urged to promote health-centred approaches, improve mental health access, support youth-focused interventions, and uphold policies based on human rights and dignity.
Need Help? Reach Out:
National Toll-Free Drug De-addiction Helpline (Govt. of India): 1800-11-0031
Kerala Vimukthi Mission: https://keralaexcise.gov.in/en/vimukthi-3/
World Environment Day
World Environment Day 2025 will spotlight one of the most urgent and fixable
environmental challenges of our time: plastic pollution. Hosted by the Republic of Korea, this year’s global campaign joins the UNEP-led movement to #BeatPlasticPollution by raisingawareness and driving action at every level. The theme, “Ending Plastic Pollution Globally,”
emphasizes the growing scientific evidence on the harm plastics cause to our oceans, food systems, and even our bodies. While plastic pollution has infiltrated nearly every aspect of our environment, solutions are
within reach. This World Environment Day calls on individuals, communities, organizations, and governments to refuse, reduce, reuse, recycle, and rethink how we use plastic. It also builds on the momentum of the 2022 global commitment toward a legally binding treaty to end plastic pollution. Together, we can shape a cleaner, more sustainable future.
AUGUST 1-7
WORLD BREAST-FEEDING WEEK
“Priorities Breastfeeding: Create Sustainable Support System”
World Breastfeeding Week (WBW) is an annual celebration which is held every year from 1 to 7 August in more than 120 countries. The theme for World Breastfeeding Week in 2025 is "Prioritise Breastfeeding: Create Sustainable Support Systems". It emphasizes the need for long-term, equitable support systems to empower breastfeeding mothers and recognizes breastfeeding as a key contributor to environmental sustainability and climate resilience; calling for systemic changes to protect both maternal health and the planet.
Benefits of Exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months:
1. Exclusively breastfed babies have protection against gastrointestinal infections and better resistance against common childhood illnesses such as diarrhoea, respiratory infections and ear infections.
2. Early initiation of breastfeeding, within 1 hour of birth, protects against infections and newborn mortality.
3. Breastfed babies are less likely to be overweight or obese.
4. They perform better on intelligence tests and have higher school attendance.
5. Longer durations of breastfeeding also contribute to the health and well-being of mothers reducing the risk of ovarian and breast cancer.
Breastfeeding is the best way to provide infants with the nutrients they need. The breastfeeding recommendations by WHO include
• WHO and UNICEF recommend that children initiate breastfeeding within the first hour of birth and be exclusively breastfed for the first 6 months of life – meaning no other foods or liquids are provided, including water.
• Infants should be breastfed on demand – that is as often as the child wants, day and night. No bottles, teats or pacifiers should be used.
• From the age of 6 months, children should begin eating safe and adequate complementary foods while continuing to breastfeed for up to two years of age or beyond.
World ORS Day
World Hepatitis Day
Eye Donation Fortnight
World ORS Day 2025
World ORS Day, observed every year on July 29, highlights the life-saving power of Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) - which is a balanced glucose- electrolyte mixture given to treat any case of dehydration. First used by Dr. Dilip Mahalanabis during the 1971 refugee crisis in West Bengal, ORS has since been hailed as one of the greatest medical breakthroughs of the 20th century. In 2001, the Indian Academy of Paediatrics officially established this day to raise awareness and reduce child deaths from diarrhoeal diseases.
This year’s theme, “ORS – A Simple Solution for a Healthier Future,” reminds us how a low-cost remedy can protect millions, especially children and the elderly, from life-threatening dehydration. It is advisable to use commercially available ORS rather than homemade ones, as homemade ones are not strong enough to treat severe dehydration conditions. The benefits of ORS include rehydration, replacement of salts and sugar absorption.
July 28 - World Hepatitis Day 2025
This year’s theme is: “Hepatitis: Let’s Break It Down”
World Hepatitis Day, observed every year on July 28, is a global health day dedicated to raising awareness about hepatitis and driving efforts toward its prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. The theme for World Hepatitis Day 2025 is “Hepatitis: Let’s Break It Down”, which emphasizes the need to remove barriers such as stigma, lack of awareness, and limited access to care that hinder people from getting tested and treated. Hepatitis is not a single illness; it's inflammation of the liver. While most commonly caused by viruses (like A, B, C, D, E), it can also result from alcohol, certain medications, or even autoimmune conditions. Among viral hepatitis, B and C, poses major concern due to their potential to become chronic and silently damage the liver over years. Symptoms of hepatitis include fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, abdominal discomfort, dark urine, pale stools, and jaundice (yellowing of the eyes and skin). In some cases, individuals may not show symptoms until the disease has significantly progressed. When hepatitis affects the liver, it can lead to fibrosis (scarring), cirrhosis, liver failure, and even liver cancer, especially in chronic hepatitis B and C cases. Globally, over 300 million people live with hepatitis infections, many of whom are unaware of their condition, making timely diagnosis and treatment critical.
The Government of India has launched the National Viral Hepatitis Control Program (NVHCP), aiming to Combat hepatitis.Under this program, free testing and treatment services are provided for hepatitis B and C, alongside vaccination for hepatitis B, public awareness campaigns, and safety measures to prevent transmission through medical injections and blood transfusions. Kerala has been actively implementing this program at the state level through its health system and district surveillance units. Efforts include outbreak investigations, vaccination drives, sanitation improvement, health education, and improved diagnostic access, especially in vulnerable communities. On this World Hepatitis Day, the message is clear – by breaking the barriers of stigma, ignorance, and inaccessibility, and by supporting prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment, we can protect our liver health and work together to eliminate hepatitis by 2030.
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
World Rabies Day
World Alzheimer's Day
National Nutrition Week
2025 September 28 – World Rabies Day
Theme: Act Now: You, Me, Community
World Rabies Day, observed every year on September 28, the anniversary of Louis Pasteur's death, the French chemist and microbiologist, who developed the first rabies vaccine, to raise awareness of the consequences of human and animal rabies and how to prevent it. Rabies is a vaccine preventable, viral, zoonotic disease that causes progressive and fatal inflammation of the brain and spinal cord. In up to 99% of the human rabies cases, dogs are responsible for virus transmission. Rabies spreads to people and animals via saliva, usually through bites, scratches, or direct contact with mucosa (e.g. eyes, mouth, or open wounds). Once clinical symptoms appear, rabies is virtually 100% fatal. The incubation period for rabies is typically 2–3 months but may vary from one week to one year, depending on factors such as the location of virus entry and the viral load. Initial symptoms of rabies include generic signs like fever, pain and unusual or unexplained tingling, pricking, or burning sensations at the wound site. As the virus moves to the central nervous system, progressive and fatal inflammation of the brain and spinal cord develops. Rabies is 100% preventable through timely animal vaccination, post-exposure treatment, and awareness. As per NCDC, in India, a total of 3.7 million dog bite cases and 54 suspected human rabies deaths were reported in 2024. This year’s "Act now: you, me, communities" is calling on you, me, and our communities to take responsibility, work together, and drive real change. What the theme means is,
• You – Take action in your personal life: vaccinate your dog, educate yourself about how to prevent rabies and Pre- and Post-Exposure Prophylaxis, or advocate for better policies.
• Me – Lead by example: inspire others, train professionals, or support rabies elimination efforts in your community.
• Community – Work together: organize vaccination campaigns, educate learners and their families, and push for stronger rabies elimination programs.
Rabies eradication aligns with the “Zero by 30” global goal - to achieve zero human deaths from dog-mediated rabies by 2030.
Let’s Act Now: You, Me, Community to build a future free from rabies. Because every life saved is a step closer to zero
This year’s theme, “Ask about Dementia. Ask about Alzheimer’s”, emphasizes the power of questions in starting conversations, deepening understanding, and encouraging early help-seeking. By asking, learning, and supporting, we can promote timely diagnosis, improve care, and create inclusive spaces. Let us stand together to ensure dignity, compassion, and hope for those living with dementia and their caregivers.
National Nutrition Week September 1- 7 Theme: Nutritious Food for All, From Children to the Elderly National Nutrition Week 2025 is observed in India from 1st to 7th September, to raise awareness on the role of nutrition in health and well-being. Introduced in 1982 by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, the initiative aims to address malnutrition and promote healthier dietary practices across the population. India’s nutritional scenario reflects a complex transition. While the prevalence of underweight has declined over the last 15 years, the prevalence of overweight and obesity have risen sharply. At the same time, anemia continues to affect children, adolescents, and women of reproductive age. As highlighted in previous studies, this coexistence of undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, and overnutrition demonstrates the triple burden of malnutrition, demanding urgent attention. This pattern is also evident in Kerala, where overweight and obesity are higher than the national average, while anemia and undernutrition persist among vulnerable groups. The 2025 theme emphasizes a lifespan approach to nutrition, ensuring care at every stage of life: ● Infants (0–6 months): Exclusive breastfeeding for growth and immunity. ● Infants & young children (6 months–2 years): Breast milk with nutrient-rich complementary foods for physical growth and cognitive development. ● Children (2–6 years): Balanced diets for growth, learning, and cognition. ● Adolescents (10–19 years): Adequate nutrition for growth spurt, bone development, and maturation. ● Adults: Balanced diets for health maintenance, productivity, and prevention of diet-related diseases. ● Reproductive age group: Additional nutrition to meet childbearing and rearing needs. ● Elders: Nutrient-dense diets to remain physically active and healthy. National Nutrition Week 2025 reinforces that nutrition is a lifelong necessity and a cornerstone for building a healthier and stronger India.
