World Health Day 2025: ‘Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures’
In observance of the World Health Day on April 7, the World Health Organization (WHO) has emphasized urgent global action for high-quality healthcare access for women and newborns, the organization’s French website reported.
Despite progress in reducing maternal and newborn mortality, the Eastern Mediterranean Region faces significant challenges, particularly in fragile settings. Over 120 million women of reproductive age reside in the region, with around 20 million newborns delivered annually. However, nearly 400,000 stillbirths occur each year, and half a million newborns die, constituting nearly 60% of child deaths under five.
WHO Regional Director Dr. Hanan Balkhy highlights that progress is lagging, particularly in high-burden countries. To address this, WHO calls for increased investment in maternal health, improved access to quality care, strengthened midwifery models, and enhanced reproductive health services. Empowering women and promoting gender equality are crucial for informed health decisions.
