World Health Day 2025: Building a healthier future for mothers and children

World Health Day, observed annually on April 7, serves as a global platform to raise awareness about pressing health issues and mobilise efforts to address them. In 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO) has chosen the theme Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures, emphasising the critical importance of maternal and newborn health.  

The inception of World Health Day dates back to 1948 when the WHO was established. The first World Health Assembly decided to commemorate the organization’s founding by celebrating World Health Day annually on April 7th, starting from 1950. The primary objective of this observance is to draw global attention to significant health concerns and to encourage collaborative actions to address them.  

The 2025 theme underscores the necessity of enhancing maternal and newborn health worldwide. According to WHO, approximately 3 lakh women die each year due to pregnancy or childbirth complications. Additionally, over 2 million babies die within their first month of life, and around 2 million more are stillborn. These statistics highlight the urgent need for improved healthcare services and interventions to prevent such tragedies.

Addressing maternal and newborn health has tangible benefits:

• Enhanced Healthcare Services: Investing in quality prenatal and postnatal care ensures that mothers and babies receive essential medical attention, reducing mortality rates.
• Education and Awareness: Informing communities about maternal health, nutrition, and newborn care empowers individuals to make informed decisions, leading to healthier outcomes.
• Policy Implementation: Governments can develop and enforce policies that provide accessible and affordable healthcare services for women and children, ensuring that no one is left behind.

Dr Vijay Kumar, Associate Professor of Teacher Education, School of Education, Apeejay Stya University underscored the importance of education in spreading awareness about this day, “Educational institutions play a pivotal role in promoting the theme of World Health Day 2025 by incorporating topics related to maternal and newborn health into health education. Such programs can raise awareness among students about the importance of early healthcare interventions.” 

“Furthermore, schools and universities can organise workshops and seminars that provide information on maternal health, encouraging community involvement and support. Academic institutions can also conduct research focused on improving maternal and newborn health outcomes, contributing to the global body of knowledge and informing policy decisions,” Dr Kumar concluded.