WORLD Health Day takes place on 7th April each year. The idea behind World Health Day is to raise awareness and joint enterprise to act on a priority topic facing global health. The theme for 2026 is ‘Together for Health. Stand with Science.’

The campaign calls on governments, scientists, health workers, partners, and the public to:

– Stand with science by engaging with evidence, facts, and science-based guidance to protect health.

– Rebuild trust in science and public health.

– Support science-led solutions for a healthier future.

Within the Irish Life GAA Healthy Clubs programme, GAA clubs are engaging with science-backed, evidence-based programmes which aim to improve the health of our communities.

The Healthy Clubs programme is now entering its seventh phase, with an additional 200 GAA clubs being welcomed into the programme following an application process and orientation day at Croke Park earlier this month.

Healthy Clubs are tasked with rolling-out a range of health-promoting activities throughout a two-year cycle. here are many established programmes which have been developed with the Healthy Clubs programme in mind.

Critically these are backed by science and have involved the invaluable input of reputable expert partners.

Activities cover a range of topics, and can be summarised into the categories of mental fitness, physical health, community development, healthy eating, diversity and inclusion and substance use and gambling.

Not only are these programmes available for GAA healthy clubs, they are open to any GAA club. You will find out more information on a range of campaigns on: GAA.ie.

Ulster GAA also have a few additional programmes which are available to clubs in Ulster, and more information can be found at: Health – Cumann Lúthchleas Gael Uladh

While the GAA recognises the important work ongoing in clubs around the area of health and wellbeing, it is important to point-out that clubs should, where possible, opt to engage with programmes which already exist within the GAA offering.

Ulster GAA greatly appreciates the many expert partners who work with the GAA, but would also urge caution to be sure that service providers working in this vast area are suitable partners for your project.

While they encourage clubs to engage with local partners, we would also stress that if a club is unsure about who to work with on a particular topic, then they should make
contact with their county health and wellbeing committee, or through Ulster GAA’s community and health manager – maura.mcmenamin.ulster@gaa.ie.