World Health Day, observed annually on April 7, is a worldwide initiative led by the World Health Organization (WHO) in partnership with various organizations. With increasing awareness about illnesses, mental well-being, and the importance of preventive healthcare, health has become a top global concern.
The event is held every year, with each edition focusing on a particular health issue that affects people globally.
World Health Day was established during the first World Health Assembly in Geneva in 1948, where the WHO constitution was adopted and the organization was tasked with advancing global health and disease prevention.
World Health Day 2025 Theme
This year, World Health Day, observed on 7 April 2025, will launch a year-long campaign focused on improving maternal and newborn health. Under the theme Healthy beginnings, hopeful futures, the campaign calls on governments and healthcare providers to intensify efforts to eliminate preventable maternal and infant deaths and to give greater attention to women’s long-term health and well-being.
The World Health Organization (WHO) and its partners will also provide valuable guidance to support healthy pregnancies, safe childbirth, and improved postnatal care.
Supporting the survival and well-being of every mother and newborn is an urgent priority. Alarming data shows that nearly 300,000 women die annually from pregnancy or childbirth-related causes, while over 2 million newborns pass away within their first month of life, and another 2 million are stillborn. This equates to roughly one preventable death every seven seconds.
At the current pace, 80% of countries are unlikely to meet the 2030 goals for improving maternal survival, and one-third are expected to fall short of targets for reducing newborn mortality.
All women and families deserve access to quality care that nurtures both their physical and emotional well-being throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and the postnatal period. Healthcare systems must adapt to address a wide range of factors affecting maternal and newborn health — not just childbirth-related complications, but also mental health challenges, chronic illnesses, and access to family planning services.
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