Maternal and newborn health is crucial for building strong families and vibrant communities. When mothers and babies get the care they need, it sets the stage for healthier lives ahead.
On World Health Day, happening on April 7, 2025, a year-long campaign named Healthy beginnings, hopeful futures will launch. This initiative aims to encourage governments and healthcare groups to work harder to eliminate preventable deaths among mothers and newborns. It also focuses on ensuring that women receive ongoing support for their health and well-being.
The World Health Organization (WHO) and its partners will provide valuable resources to help guide healthy pregnancies, safe births, and improved postnatal care. You can find more information on the campaign on the WHO website.
Every year, nearly 300,000 women die due to complications from pregnancy or childbirth. Additionally, over two million newborns perish within their first month, and roughly two million more are stillborn. That’s one preventable death every seven seconds. Shockingly, reports indicate that four out of five countries are falling behind on goals to enhance maternal health by 2030, and one in three countries won’t meet targets for reducing newborn deaths.
To support thriving mothers and healthy babies, we need healthcare systems that genuinely care for women and families. This includes not just physical health but also mental well-being and the management of chronic diseases. Moreover, supportive laws and policies are essential to protect mothers’ rights and health.
The campaign has specific goals:
- Raise awareness of the urgent need for improvements in maternal and newborn health.
- Advocate for necessary investments in women’s health.
- Promote collective efforts to assist both parents and healthcare providers.
- Share practical information about pregnancy, childbirth, and postnatal care.
The ongoing conversation about maternal and newborn health echoes on social media, with many sharing their experiences using hashtags like #HopefulFutures and #HealthForAll. Recent surveys show an increasing awareness among young people about the importance of maternal health, with 72% of respondents saying they would support more funding for related health services.
You can make a difference too. Spread the word about this campaign. Attend events to learn more about what it takes to reduce maternal and newborn mortality. If you wish to help financially, consider contributing to the WHO Foundation, which supports global maternity health efforts. Sharing your own pregnancy or birth stories can also highlight the importance of quality care.
Together, we can ensure that every woman and baby has a chance to thrive.