Every year on April 7, the world unites to celebrate World Health Day, an initiative led by the World Health Organization (WHO) to raise awareness of global health challenges and promote solutions. This year, the celebration focuses on maternal and newborn health, a critical area affecting millions of families worldwide.
Ensuring safe pregnancies, healthy births, and proper postnatal care is essential in reducing maternal and infant mortality. In 2025, WHO aims to highlight the need for better healthcare services, education, and medical interventions to improve the well-being of mothers and newborns. This includes addressing gestational diabetes, which can significantly impact pregnancy outcomes and elevate the risk of complications for both the mother and baby.
This article explores the importance of maternal and newborn care, key challenges, solutions, and how individuals and healthcare systems can contribute to a healthier future for mothers and their children.
What is World Health Day?
World Health Day is an annual global health awareness day celebrated on April 7. Initiated by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1950, the day serves as a platform to address pressing health issues and mobilize action. Each year, WHO selects a theme that reflects urgent healthcare concerns, and for 2025, the focus is on maternal and newborn health through the campaign “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures.”
World Health Day 2025 aims to advocate for improved healthcare systems, ensure equal access to maternity services, and promote awareness about preventable complications during pregnancy and childbirth.
Why Maternal and Newborn Health Matters
Maternal and newborn health is the foundation of a healthy society. According to the World Health Organization, nearly 300,000 women die each year due to pregnancy or childbirth-related complications, while over 2 million newborns die within their first month of life. Additionally, around 2 million more are stillborn. This amounts to approximately one preventable death every seven seconds, underscoring the urgent need for quality maternal healthcare, early interventions, and postnatal support.
Proper maternal care includes routine prenatal checkups, nutritional guidance, safe delivery practices, and postpartum care. Addressing gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, infections, and hemorrhage can significantly reduce maternal and infant mortality rates.
The Role of Gestational Diabetes in Maternal Health
One of the significant health risks during pregnancy is gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), a condition where blood sugar levels become elevated during pregnancy. GDM affects about 10% of pregnant women globally, increasing the likelihood of complications such as high birth weight, premature delivery, and preeclampsia.
Proper management of gestational diabetes includes healthy eating, physical activity, and, in some cases, insulin therapy. Manage blood sugar levels efficiently with the right treatment. Explore our available gestational diabetes treatment options to find what works best for you.
Access to Quality Maternity Care
A significant barrier to maternal health is the lack of access to quality healthcare services, specifically in low-income and rural areas. Many women give birth without the presence of skilled healthcare professionals, increasing the risk of complications.
To improve maternity care, governments and healthcare organizations must prioritize the following:
- Skilled birth attendants in all healthcare facilities
- Affordable maternal health services
- Emergency obstetric care for high-risk pregnancies
- Education programs for expectant mothers
The Impact of Nutrition on Maternal and Infant Health
Proper nutrition during pregnancy is vital for the health of both mother and baby. Iron, folic acid, calcium, and vitamin D deficiency can result in complications such as anemia, neural tube defects, and weak bone development in newborns.
A balanced diet rich in whole grains, lean proteins, dairy, fruits, and vegetables is recommended. In some cases, prenatal supplements may be necessary to ensure adequate nutrient intake.
Safe Birth Practices and Postnatal Care
A safe and hygienic childbirth environment is essential for reducing maternal and infant mortality rates. Hospitals and clinics should follow evidence-based birthing practices, including:
- Continuous monitoring of maternal and fetal health
- Immediate skin-to-skin contact between mother and newborn
- Delaying umbilical cord clamping to improve newborn iron levels
- Encouraging early breastfeeding initiation
Postnatal care is equally important, ensuring mothers recover well and newborns receive necessary vaccinations, screenings, and checkups.
How Can You Give Support?
Everyone can play a role in improving maternal and newborn health, whether through personal actions, community efforts, or policy advocacy. By raising awareness and supporting initiatives, we can contribute to safer pregnancies, better healthcare access, and reduced maternal and infant mortality rates. Here are some impactful ways to give support:
Raise Awareness on Social Media
Social media is a powerful tool for spreading awareness. You can participate by sharing facts, personal stories, and expert insights about maternal and newborn health. Use the official hashtag #WorldHealthDay2025 to join the global conversation and help highlight the importance of prenatal care, safe childbirth, and postnatal support.
Donate to Organizations Supporting Maternal Healthcare
Many nonprofit organizations and health initiatives work tirelessly to improve maternal and newborn care, especially in low-income and rural areas with scarce resources. Donations to organizations like UNICEF, the World Health Organization (WHO), and local maternal health charities can help fund lifesaving medical care, essential medications, nutrition programs, and educational initiatives for expectant mothers.
Encourage Pregnant Women to Attend Regular Prenatal Checkups
Prenatal care is necessary for monitoring the health of both mother and baby. Encouraging friends, family members, and community members who are pregnant to attend regular prenatal visits can help detect potential complications early, such as gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, and fetal development issues.
If you know someone struggling with healthcare access, consider helping them find nearby clinics, connecting them with support groups, or even accompanying them to their appointments.
Conclusion
World Health Day 2025 is a global reminder of the urgent demand to improve maternal and newborn healthcare. By addressing key issues such as gestational diabetes, access to skilled birth attendants, and postnatal care, we can work toward a future where every mother and baby receives the ultimate care they deserve. Governments, healthcare professionals, and communities must join forces to lessen maternal and infant mortality rates and ensure safe pregnancies and deliveries for all.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the major causes of maternal mortality?
The major causes of maternal mortality include severe bleeding, infections, high blood pressure (preeclampsia), and unsafe abortions. Access to quality prenatal and emergency obstetric care significantly reduces these risks.
How can we improve maternal and newborn healthcare?
Improving maternal healthcare requires trained medical professionals, better access to healthcare facilities, nutritional support, and education for expectant mothers. Governments and organizations must invest in maternal health programs.
Where can I find resources for maternal health support?
UNICEF, WHO, and various nonprofit organizations provide maternal health resources, including pregnancy guides, prenatal care support, and emergency aid. Local healthcare providers and online medical platforms also offer educational materials and assistance.
