WORLD HEALTH DAY 2025 – ‘HEALTHY BEGINNINGS, HOPEFUL FUTURES’

2025 World Health Day moto is” Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful futures”. This year’s campaign supports efforts on raising awareness about the importance of good health for both the pregnant woman and the fetus from the moment of conception.

Despite substantial global progress, there are millions of women and girls worldwide who continue to lack essential, lifesaving services, particularly during labor and in the first 24 hours post-delivery. In an interview to RTK, WHO called for putting to an end maternal and infant deaths. “Strengthened primary health care systems is required to ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health services, and remove systemic barriers,” said Dr Isme Humolli, Public Health Office at WHO Office, Pristina. 

A new inter-agency report led by WHO reveals that while global maternal mortality has decreased by 40% since 2000—falling from 446,000 to an estimated 260,000 deaths in 2023—progress remains uneven and insufficient to meet the SDG target of reducing maternal mortality to below 70 per 100,000 live births by 2030. The vast majority of maternal deaths is driven by limited access to quality care, inequities, and systemic barriers. The report emphasizes the growing impact of noncommunicable diseases, social determinants, and harmful gender norms on maternal health.

Full report can be found here

The report was produced by WHO on behalf of the United Nations Maternal Mortality Estimation Inter-Agency Group comprising WHO, UNICEF, UNFPA, the World Bank Group and the Population Division of the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs.

Aid cuts threaten fragile progress in ending maternal deaths, UN agencies warn

Abbreviated version as well as main messages can be downloaded this page below, as well as main messages on World Health Day by WHO.

Key messages

• We can end preventable maternal and newborn deaths. WHO is calling for a region-wide re-invigoration of efforts to ensure access to high quality care for women and babies, especially in those countries where most maternal and newborn deaths occur.
• Beyond survival, critical investment is needed to improve women’s longer-term health and well-being. Women everywhere need access to health providers who listen to their concerns and meet their needs – including in the months after birth when millions still lack critical support.
• Better maternal health means improving access to sexual and reproductive health services so that women can plan their lives and protect their health. Agency and empowerment for women and girls is fundamental for tackling both maternal and newborn deaths and achieving health for all.

Statement – Every mother’s life matters

Find social media tiles with WHO messages here if you want to join us in the campaign LINK