International Day of Care and Support 2024: Supporting Lives, Strengthening Communities

Every year on October 29th, the International Day of Care and Support is observed to honor the accomplishments of caregivers and promote laws and programs that promote and improve care in all of its manifestations. The International Day of Care and Support 2024 celebrates the essential role of compassion, solidarity, and care in building stronger, more inclusive communities. This day honors the incessant work of caregivers, medical professionals, social service providers, and others who offer their time to support the weak and console those in need. In 2024, the goal is to promote an international culture of care that knows that everyone needs care, regardless of age, background, or situation.

Renowned Pulmonologist Dr. Sheetu Singh offers insightful commentary on the significance of respiratory health and the vital role that care plays in controlling lung-related illnesses on the International Day of Care and Support 2024. She stresses the value of early diagnosis, caring support, and all-encompassing care for patients with chronic lung diseases like asthma, COPD, and lung infections. She has years of experience treating respiratory illnesses. 

Her advice emphasizes the necessity of community-driven support networks that empower both patients and caregivers as the globe struggles with the pandemic’s respiratory effects. Dr. Sheetu Singh promotes universal access to healthcare, routine screenings, and a comprehensive approach to patient care, making sure that everyone, particularly the most vulnerable, gets the care and attention they need.

The Theme for International Day of Care and Support 2024

The theme for the International Day of Care and Support in 2024 is “Ageing with Dignity: The Importance of Strengthening Care and Support Systems for Older Persons Worldwide.”

Significance of International Day of Care and Support 

• The significance of care and support in all of its manifestations—including paid care labor, unpaid care work, and official care services—is brought to light.
• It recognizes the essential contributions of caregivers, both unpaid and paid.
• It promotes laws and programs that uphold and improve care and support networks.
• It acknowledges that care is a key component of a sustainable recovery and advocates for an equitable and inclusive recovery from the COVID-19 epidemic.

Care and support are essential for human well-being, sustainable development, and gender equality. Although caregivers are essential to society, they are sometimes overlooked and underpaid. Today is a chance to make that change.

History of International Day of Care and Support 

Following a resolution co-sponsored by over 100 nations, the UN General Assembly declared 2023 to be the International Day of Care and Support. The resolution acknowledged the critical role that care and support—in all of its manifestations—play in advancing gender equality, sustainable development, and human well-being. The day’s origins may be found in the early 2000s when a number of civil society organizations and trade unions started advocating for a worldwide day to honor and celebrate caregivers contributions. In 2016, the Care Agenda, which was introduced by the ILO, asked for greater funding for support and care services as well as the acknowledgment and assessment of unpaid caregiving.

The importance of care and support was further underscored by the COVID-19 pandemic since caregivers were essential to the pandemic response. On October 29, 2023, the UN General Assembly declared the first International Day of Care and Support in honor of their contributions. 

How to Celebrate International Day of Care and Support 

Participate by showing support and care for people who dedicate their lives to helping and assisting others. Check out some of these ideas for celebrating the International Day of Care and Support:

• Attend an International Day of Care and Support Event

The International Day of Care and Support will be observed by a number of agencies and organizations through community-focused events. For example, the first commemoration was held at the International Labor Organization (ILO) in New York City. Additional activities have included live seminars, internet webinars, learning opportunities, and more. Attend an event to commemorate this day and demonstrate your support for caregivers and care workers around.

• Strive for Gender Equity 

On average, women spend two hours and forty-eight minutes more per day than males in their households providing unpaid care. This covers both indirect care, such as cleaning, cooking, or laundry, and direct care, such as bathing a baby or taking an old family member to the doctor. The purpose of the International Day of Care and Support is to draw attention to the injustice that many women experience and to motivate men to assume greater responsibility for providing care for their families and communities.

29th October 2024 Special Day 

The International Day of Care and Support is celebrated globally on October 29, 2024, to honor the vital roles that caregivers play. This day underscores the importance of policies and initiatives aimed at bolstering and improving care across diverse contexts. It serves as a moving reminder of how important caregivers are to helping people and creating a culture that appreciates and encourages compassionate care in all of its forms.

FAQs 

What is the International Day of Care and Support?

Every year, the International Day of Care and Support is observed to honor the critical role that healthcare, community support, and caring play in enhancing people’s quality of life everywhere. It emphasizes the importance of compassion, and care in addressing the emotional, physical, and social needs of vulnerable populations. 

What is the theme of the International Day of Care and Support?

The theme for the International Day of Care and Support in 2024 is “Ageing with Dignity: The Importance of Strengthening Care and Support Systems for Older Persons Worldwide.”

When is the International Day of Care and Support observed?

Every year on October 17th, we celebrate the International Day of Care and Support. The day raises awareness of the vital role that support networks, healthcare professionals, and caregivers play in improving people’s lives.

Why is the International Day of Care and Support important?

This day is significant because it recognizes the frequently overlooked contribution that support systems and caregivers provide to our society. It highlights the necessity of comprehensive care services, advocates for improved support networks, and increases understanding of the difficulties experienced by caregivers and the people they look for, such as the elderly, the disabled, and those with chronic illnesses.

Who benefits from the International Day of Care and Support?

This day benefits both caregivers and those who rely on their services, including people with disabilities, the elderly, chronic illnesses, and those needing emotional, psychological, and physical support. It also highlights how crucial emotional and mental wellness is for caregivers themselves.