World Health Day, celebrated on April 7, 2025, will kick off a year-long campaign on maternal and newborn health. The campaign, titled Healthy beginnings, hopeful futures, will urge governments and the health community to ramp up efforts to end preventable maternal and newborn deaths, and to prioritize women’s longer-term health and well-being and better postnatal health.
While maternal and newborn deaths occur in all regions, the vast majority are in the poorest countries and those facing conflict and other crises. When health care facilities close, facilities are attacked, access routes denied or supplies disrupted, pregnant women and babies – who need regular access to health services – face severe, often life-threatening risks.
Listening to women and supporting families
Women and families everywhere need high quality care that supports them physically and emotionally, before, during and after birth. Health systems must evolve to manage the many health issues that impact maternal and newborn health. These not only include direct obstetric complications but also mental health conditions, noncommunicable diseases and family planning. Additionally, women and families should be supported by laws and policies that safeguard their health and rights.
Campaign goals
- To raise awareness about gaps in maternal and newborn survival and the need to prioritize women’s longer-term well-being.
- To advocate for effective investments that improve the health of women and babies.
- To encourage collective action to support parents as well as health professionals who provide critical care.
- To provide useful health information relating to pregnancy, childbirth, and the postnatal period.
Get involved
Here’s what you can do to support the campaign:
- Spread awareness: share information about the campaign using #HopefulFutures and #HealthForAll.
- Participate: attend our global events to learn more about what it will take to end maternal and newborn mortality.
- Donate: contribute to the WHO Foundation which supports WHO’s work to protect mothers and babies in countries around the world.
- Share your lived experiences: share your own experiences or stories of pregnancy and birth and thank those who provide quality care
Source: World Health Organization
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