World Health Day 2025 Campaign on Maternal and Newborn Health
Geneva, Saturday, 22 February 2025.
World Health Day 2025 will prioritize maternal and newborn health, advocating for universal health services to prevent deaths and improve outcomes for mothers and babies globally.
Current Global Maternal Health Crisis
The statistics paint a stark picture of the global maternal health crisis. Currently, nearly 300,000 women lose their lives due to pregnancy or childbirth complications annually, while over 2 million babies die in their first month [1][3]. This translates to approximately one preventable death every seven seconds [1]. Most concerning is that based on current trends, 80% of countries are not on track to meet the UN’s 2030 global targets for improving maternal survival [3].
Economic Impact and Investment Benefits
The campaign emphasizes the compelling economic case for maternal health investment. Research shows that for every $1 invested in maternal and newborn health in low- and middle-income countries, the economic return ranges from $9 to $20 [3]. This significant return on investment demonstrates how prioritizing maternal health can strengthen both healthcare systems and economies [GPT].
Campaign Goals and Action Plans
The World Health Organization’s ‘Healthy beginnings, hopeful futures’ campaign will launch on April 7, 2025, initiating a year-long focus on maternal and newborn health [1]. The initiative aims to raise awareness about survival gaps, advocate for effective investments, and encourage collective action to support both parents and healthcare professionals [1]. WHO will urge governments to prioritize emergency obstetric care and support for preterm babies, while also addressing broader health issues including mental health conditions and noncommunicable diseases [1][3].
Global Engagement and Support
The campaign provides multiple avenues for global participation. Stakeholders can engage through social media using #HopefulFutures and #HealthForAll, attend global events to learn about mortality prevention strategies, and contribute to the WHO Foundation’s efforts to protect mothers and babies worldwide [1]. Dr. Pascale Allotey, Director for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research at WHO, emphasizes that the goal extends beyond survival: ‘It is not sufficient that women survive childbirth, they must also be able to enjoy their lives in good health’ [3].