World Health Day, celebrated on April 7th every year, is a significant occasion that brings attention to crucial global health issues. In 2025, the theme of World Health Day is focused on maternal and newborn health, with the campaign titled "Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures." This year-long initiative aims to raise awareness about the preventable deaths of mothers and newborns and highlights the importance of improving the health and well-being of women and their babies, not only during pregnancy but in the long term.
The World Health Organization (WHO) and various partners will share vital information about supporting healthy pregnancies, safe births, and better postnatal health. As a society, we must prioritize the well-being of women and newborns to ensure that every pregnancy ends in joy and every newborn has a healthy start in life.
The Stark Reality of Maternal and Newborn Mortality
It’s difficult to imagine, but nearly 300,000 women die every year from complications related to pregnancy and childbirth. Even more heart-wrenching is the fact that over 2 million babies lose their lives within the first month of life. Additionally, millions more are stillborn, all of which could have been prevented with proper care. These deaths happen every single day, every hour, and tragically, on average, one preventable death occurs every seven seconds.
This alarming statistic reminds us that the fight for maternal and newborn health is far from over. Despite the progress made in many parts of the world, the current trends suggest that four out of five countries are off track to meet the global targets aimed at improving maternal survival by 2030. This makes it even more urgent for governments, healthcare systems, and the global community to unite and take swift action to reverse these trends.
Why Maternal and Newborn Health Matters
Maternal health goes far beyond just the health of the mother during pregnancy. A mother’s physical, emotional, and mental health before, during, and after birth significantly impacts her overall well-being, as well as the health and future of her child.
Pregnancy and childbirth should be moments of joy and celebration, but for many women, it can turn into a time of fear, uncertainty, and even loss. High-quality, compassionate care is essential in preventing these tragedies. That’s why World Health Day 2025’s campaign is dedicated to helping every woman and every baby survive and thrive, through comprehensive healthcare services that address all aspects of maternal and newborn health.
The focus isn’t just on childbirth but also on women’s long-term health after birth. Health systems must evolve to meet the diverse needs of mothers and newborns, ensuring that all women receive adequate care, including those with existing health conditions, mental health concerns, or noncommunicable diseases.
How Can We Support Maternal and Newborn Health?
Support for maternal and newborn health needs to begin well before pregnancy and continue long after childbirth. The foundation of a healthy pregnancy starts with a woman’s overall health—access to nutrition, vaccinations, mental health support, and regular medical check-ups. It’s important to listen to the needs of women, ensuring that they receive both physical and emotional care.
Accessible and High-Quality Healthcare: Every woman, regardless of where she lives, should have access to affordable and high-quality healthcare services. This includes prenatal care, safe delivery practices, and skilled professionals who can manage both common and complicated pregnancies. Timely medical intervention can prevent dangerous complications, such as hemorrhage or preeclampsia, which are leading causes of maternal death.
Mental Health Support: Mental health plays a vital role in maternal well-being. Postpartum depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions can affect new mothers, yet they often go unrecognized and untreated. Providing mental health support before, during, and after pregnancy is crucial for the mother’s recovery and her ability to bond with her newborn.
Education and Awareness: Educating women about the importance of maternal health, regular check-ups, and healthy lifestyles can empower them to take charge of their health. Sharing knowledge about safe pregnancies, recognizing warning signs, and understanding what to expect during childbirth can make a difference in reducing preventable deaths.
Addressing Noncommunicable Diseases: Conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and obesity are becoming increasingly common among women of childbearing age. These non-communicable diseases can increase the risks associated with pregnancy, so it’s important to manage these health issues before and during pregnancy to ensure the best outcomes.
Support for Families: The support of family members is equally crucial. Encouraging a strong family network can improve mental and physical well-being for both mothers and babies. Involving fathers and other family members in prenatal care and postnatal support ensures a more holistic approach to maternal and newborn health.
How Continental Hospitals Can Help
At Continental Hospitals, we understand the significance of maternal and newborn health. Our team of skilled professionals is dedicated to providing comprehensive care to women before, during, and after pregnancy. From prenatal care to safe childbirth and postnatal health services, we are here to ensure that both mother and baby receive the best care possible.
If you or a loved one is planning a pregnancy, currently pregnant, or in need of postnatal care, don’t hesitate to contact our team. We offer personalized services designed to meet your needs and ensure a safe, healthy journey for both mother and child. Together, we can work towards making every pregnancy a healthy beginning and every newborn a hopeful future.
Conclusion
World Health Day 2025 is a reminder of the urgent need to focus on maternal and newborn health. As we raise awareness, let’s remember the lives we can save with simple, effective healthcare services and compassionate support. By working together, we can make maternal and newborn health a priority, ensuring that every woman and child has a healthier, happier future.
Pregnant or planning? Get expert care at Continental Hospitals for a healthy journey. Book a consultation today!