On World Health Day 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO) will launch a year-long campaign focused on improving maternal and newborn health, titled Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures. The initiative aims to raise awareness and call for urgent action to reduce preventable maternal and newborn deaths, highlighting the need for enhanced efforts to ensure women’s long-term health and well-being.
The WHO, along with its partners, will provide valuable resources to guide healthy pregnancies, safe births, and improved postnatal care, ensuring that every woman and baby has the chance to thrive.
A Global Crisis in Maternal and Newborn Health
The statistics surrounding maternal and newborn health are grim. Every year, approximately 300,000 women lose their lives due to complications during pregnancy and childbirth, while more than 2 million babies die within the first month of life. Additionally, around 2 million babies are stillborn. This tragic reality means that, on average, one preventable death occurs every seven seconds.
Despite progress in some areas, the current trajectory is alarming. A recent report indicates that nearly 80% of countries are not on track to meet the 2030 global targets for improving maternal survival. Furthermore, one-third of countries are unlikely to achieve the goals set for reducing newborn mortality.
The Need for Comprehensive Support
To combat this crisis, women and families must have access to high-quality, holistic care before, during, and after childbirth. This care must not only address obstetric complications but also include support for mental health, noncommunicable diseases, and family planning.
Health systems must adapt to meet the diverse needs of mothers and newborns, ensuring they receive care that is both physically and emotionally supportive. In addition to healthcare services, strong policies and legal protections are essential to safeguard the health and rights of women and families globally.
The Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures campaign seeks to unite governments, health organizations, and communities to prioritize maternal and newborn health, ensuring a brighter, healthier future for all.
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