International Days: What do they achieve?
World Firefighters day, World Press Freedom day and International Day of Families are just a few of the days we are expected to mark this month. Few weeks pass without a day set aside to mark an international occasion. The United Nations is responsible for creating these days which focus people's attention on issues that are central to their interests.
Last week was Malaria Awareness day, a day created by former US President George W Bush in 2007, with the aim of combating malaria in Africa, where still a child dies every 30 seconds from the disease. Were you aware of this awareness day and do you think it made a contribution to the fight against malaria? Is there a better way to draw attention to this and other issues?
Edwin 'Nyos' Munyoro from Facebook says:
They're good for awareness but you cannot raise awareness about everything We should have around 5 awareness weeks every year for Science, Disease, Society, Profession and Culture. Each week should focus on something different on the issue related to it.
If you could create one international day what would it be ? Send us your views.
If you would like to debate this topic LIVE on air on Tuesday 4 May at 1600 GMT, please send us a telephone number to africa@bbc.co.uk. You can also send an SMS message to +44 77 86 20 20 08
Comment number 1.
At 12:54 4th May 2010, Bol P Y wrote:If I was to create an awareness day, It would probably be a "Humanity Day"....people might not agree to it but I think that no matter how we treat each other, what will always be bind together by the simple fact that we are humans!!!
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Comment number 2.
At 15:36 4th May 2010, Israel Ambe Ayongwa wrote:The greatest injustice is not having a 'World Joblessness Day'.
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Comment number 3.
At 06:37 5th May 2010, nangayi guyson wrote:If I was to create an awareness day, It would probably be a "RECONCILIATION DAY".... a repentance day, because people sin every minute in the world
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