World Health Day 2025: “Healthier Beginnings, Hopeful Futures”
A Global Call to Defend Maternal and Newborn Health
On the occasion of World Health Day 2025, themed “Healthier beginnings, hopeful futures”, over 100 WHO offices worldwide joined forces with governments, health workers, communities, civil society, partners, and donors to advocate for the protection and strengthening of maternal and newborn health services—a sector increasingly challenged by global funding constraints.
Marking the 77th anniversary of WHO, this year’s observance initiates a year-long global campaign emphasizing the urgent need to end preventable maternal and newborn deaths and to prioritize women’s long-term health and well-being.
Highlights from WHO Regions
African Region
Countries across Africa launched impactful initiatives:
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Angola: Facebook live campaign with UNICEF and UNFPA.
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Burundi: 10-day outreach with refugee clinic visits and health workshops.
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Côte d’Ivoire: Exhibitions highlighting reproductive health for women with disabilities.
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Nigeria: Walkathon with the Ministry of Health promoting maternal care.
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South Africa: Media blitz with joint health statements and impact videos.
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Zambia: Presidential video highlighting community outreach efforts.
Region of the Americas (PAHO)
A wave of advocacy spread across the Americas:
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Cuba: Celebrated zero maternal deaths in Villa Clara with a festival and symposium.
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Colombia: Honored traditional midwifery through high-level panel discussions.
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Guatemala: Vice President-led national campaign launch.
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Guyana & Suriname: Community fairs, live broadcasts, and digital health showcases.
Eastern Mediterranean Region
Innovative and collaborative events were held:
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Bahrain & Oman: Multisectoral campaigns with ministries and UN partners.
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Pakistan: National events paired with real-life maternal health stories.
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Jordan: Launched “Let’s Talk About Health” video series for public inspiration.
European Region
A mix of grassroots and high-level campaigns dominated the region:
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Armenia, Azerbaijan, Romania: National coverage of maternal health initiatives.
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Türkiye: Landmark Atakule lit up to mark the campaign; joint university seminar.
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Serbia: Iconic Belgrade Tower illuminated; national media interviews aired.
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Uzbekistan: Maternal health mural unveiled; influencer video series released.
South-East Asia Region
Focused on achievements and continued advocacy:
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India: Webinar on maternal and child mortality reduction.
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Bangladesh: Nationwide district-level events and media outreach.
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Nepal & Sri Lanka: Ministerial messages and webinars focused on policy impact.
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Thailand: Emphasis on preterm care with regional voices and health department.
Western Pacific Region
Strong regional coordination marked the celebrations:
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China: National Health Commission event with WHO Director-General’s remarks.
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Mongolia: Dual launches of the Healthy Newborn and Cervical Cancer Programmes.
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Vietnam: Partnered with Young Physicians for a high-profile public event.
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Papua New Guinea: Extensive programs on maternal care and violence prevention.
