Take a stand for World Health Day with The Big Issue Shop

World Health Day is turning 70 this year – so what better present to celebrate such a momentous birthday than a pair of socks.

The awareness day has been drawing attention to global issues for seven decades and is taking aim at Universal Health Coverage on April 7 this year.

Organisers The World Health Organisation (WHO) are calling on world leaders to live up to the pledges made when agreeing the UN Sustainable Development Goals in 2015 by standing up for this year’s theme “Health for All”.

WHO was established in 1948 to call on governments, industry and individuals to realise the right for everyone to achieve the highest possible level of health.

We are getting ready for #WorldHealthDay on 7 April!

At least half of the world’s population lacks access to essential health services.

Together, we can make Universal Health Coverage happen.

It’s time for #HealthForAll. For everyone, everywhere.https://t.co/f8Lr2dipsf

— World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) April 2, 2018

To do that, World Health Day will lead the calls for UHC – giving access to essential quality care and financial protection to boost health and life expectancy while preventing epidemics, poverty, hunger and inequality from taking hold.

“No one should have to choose between death and financial hardship,” as WHO director-general Dr Tedros Adhanom points out. “No one should have to choose between buying medicine and buying food.”

As part of the UN’s goals, one billion more people need to benefit from UHC by 2023.

This year you can help them take a step closer to achieving that goal by supporting Stand4Socks in The Big Issue Shop.

The social enterprise know a thing or two about how to make an impact, whether it be making a fashion statement or tackling a whole host of issues all over the world.

Each colourful, ethically-made sock features a logo on the angle to let you know just what you stand for a range of causes aligned with the UN’s 11 global goals.

Made with bamboo, the socks are good for your health too, being naturally antibacterial and moisture wicking, and even boost plants’ wellbeing as well as they are 100 per cent biodegradable.

The range supports the UN’s Global Goal No.3 of “Good Health and Well Being” with every sale of Stand4Socks’ eye-catching blue-and-white hooped pair helping three children get life-saving vaccinations against measles in Bangladesh.

Pink Floyd-esque black and rainbow coloured socks more your speed? Each pair will go towards a £1 micro loan to a farmer in South America while a pair of blue bubbles socks will secure 12 days of education for a child impacted by war.

Check out the full range in The Big Issue Shop here.