World Health Day is a day observed annually on April 7th to draw the attention of the world to the health global human populations and the diseases that may impact these populations (WHO, 2020).
This year 2020 the WHO theme or message is quite simple: “Giving people access to healthcare without the prospect of financial hardship”. This theme comes in a vital time where the world is faced with a very contagious virus which takes the lives of many individuals daily.
The Coronavirus (COVID-19) is an infectious disease that according to the World Health Organization is transmitted primarily through contact with an infected person when they cough or sneeze. The World Health Organisation further stated that the virus spreads when a person touches a surface or objects that has the virus on it, and then touches their eyes, nose, or mouth. The disease causes respiratory illness (like the flu) with symptoms such as a cough, fever, and in more severe cases, difficulty breathing (WHO, 2020).
How does coronavirus quarantine affect mental health?
Quarantine can mean different things for different people. For some it's quality time with families and for some who are in abusive homes it can be the worst time to stay home as support is limited.
Life in quarantine can negatively affect an individual’s mental health, causing post-traumatic stress, confusion, anger and in some cases panic among other mental health issues especially taking into considerations that some people will be in isolation.
Fear and anxiety about the current world epidemic can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions in both adults and children, particularly during isolation. This is why it is crucial to take care of your mental health during the coronavirus outbreak.
With that being said people should not panic as there are measures and resources put in place by mental healthcare workers to assist people such as free telephonic counseling or debriefing ,therefore ,living up to the 2020 world health day theme which is giving people access to healthcare facilities without the prospect of financial hardships.
You can contact SADAG or Psychology Today to speak to a professional or find resources to help you through this trying time.
Reference list
World Health Day. (2020). Awareness days. Available:
World Health Organisation(2020).Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Pandemic. Retrieved: