This year's World Health Day will call on governments and the healthcare community to intensify efforts to eliminate preventable maternal and newborn deaths, and to focus on improving women's long-term health and well-being.

Nearly 300,000 women die each year due to pregnancy or childbirth, while more than 2 million babies perish within their first month, with millions more stillborn — equivalent to one preventable death every seven seconds.

A shocking 4 out of 5 countries are not on track to meet global targets for improving maternal survival by 2030. The 2025 campaign, titled Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures, will take place on April 7, where the WHO and its partners will also share valuable information to promote healthy pregnancies, safe births, and better postnatal care.

In a statement, the WHO emphasized that women and families worldwide require high-quality care that supports them both physically and emotionally, before, during, and after childbirth.

 “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,” the organization said.

The statement also indicates that women and families should be supported by laws and policies that protect their health and rights.

The goal of the campaign is to raise awareness about the gaps in maternal and newborn survival and emphasize the importance of prioritizing women’s long-term well-being. It also aims to advocate for effective investments that improve the health of women and babies.

Additionally, the campaign encourages collective action to support both parents and healthcare professionals who provide essential care, while offering valuable health information related to pregnancy, childbirth, and the postnatal period.