World Health Day

Hosted at the United Nations, the event will spotlight the release of the latest maternal mortality data, followed by highlights on country-led innovations driving real impact. A key highlight will be the launch of the Global Midwifery Accelerator, a bold, strategic roadmap to strengthen midwifery and end preventable maternal death s. Join Member States, UN agencies, and civil society leaders this World Health Day for a high-level ministerial event dedicated to accelerating progress in global maternal health . Watch Improving Health and Well-being for Women and Newborns: Launch of the midwifery accelerator (CPD58 Side Event)!

The Ways to get involved and support  World Health Day 2025 campaign . There are lots of ways you can get involved and support efforts to improve maternal and health: You can raise awareness :  Share information about the campaign using #HopefulFutures and #HealthForAll. You can  Participate : Attend our global events to learn more about what it will take to end maternal and newborn mortality. You can  Donate : Donate to the WHO Foundation which supports WHO’s work to protect mothers and babies in countries around the world. You can  Share personal experiences : Share your own experiences or stories of pregnancy and birth, and thank those who provide quality care on your own platforms. If you know someone who is pregnant, or has a new baby, there are also plenty of ways you can lean in and support them as well – checking in with them, being there for them if they need it, and offering emotional support and understanding.

During pregnancy Seeking care : WHO recommends at least eight checks with a health professional, starting as soon as you know you are pregnant. These checks monitor your health, and your baby's development, and detect possible complications. Important tests : Expect tests like ultrasound screenings, urine tests, blood tests, blood pressure checks, glucose screening, and monitoring of your baby’s growth. These are crucial even if you feel healthy, since not all conditions result in obvious symptoms. Staying healthy : Reduce risks by attending all antenatal appointments and maintaining a healthy lifestyle:avoid tobacco and substance abuse; stay physically active; get vaccinated as recommended; sleep on your side; manage existing health conditions with medical advice; and seek help if you have concerns. Warning signs : Seek immediate care if you experience: vaginal bleeding; abdominal pain; blurred vision, sudden swelling, or persistent headache; changes in baby's movements; abdo...

The  Healthy beginnings, hopeful futures  Campaign, 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 . Aid cuts threaten fragile progress in ending maternal deaths, UN agencies warn Many pregnancy-related complications going undetected and untreated – WHO World Health Day 2025 to spotlight women and babies’ survival, urging solidarity at a critical moment for global health

How improve  Maternal and Newborn Health ? We can: Help every woman and baby to survive and thrive. This task is critical. Tragically, based on currently published estimates, close to 300 000 women lose their life due to pregnancy or childbirth each year, while over 2 million babies die in their first month of life and around 2 million more are stillborn. That’s roughly 1 preventable death every 7 seconds. Based on current trends, a staggering 4 out of 5 countries are off track to meet targets for improving maternal survival by 2030. 1 in 3 will fail to meet targets for reducing newborn deaths. Listen to women and support 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 fami...

To advocate for effective investments that improve the health of women and babies .

 To raise awareness about gaps in maternal and newborn survival and the need to prioritize women’s longer-term well-being .