In celebration of World Health Day 2025, themed "Healthier Beginnings, Hopeful Futures," the World Health Organization (WHO) has coordinated extensive public advocacy efforts worldwide. Over 100 global offices collaborated with Member States, communities, healthcare professionals, partner agencies, and civil society organizations to promote maternal and newborn health care services. These actions highlight the pressing need to safeguard essential maternal and newborn health services amid funding challenges affecting the global health sector. The unprecedented global response aims to address these issues and ensure sustainable improvements in maternal and newborn health.

Comprehensive Global Advocacy Initiatives for Maternal and Newborn Health

On the occasion of World Health Day 2025, WHO offices across various regions initiated a wide array of activities. In Africa, Angola conducted a dynamic Facebook live event alongside media campaigns involving UNICEF and UNFPA. Burundi celebrated over ten days with events including refugee clinic visits, school disease screenings, and maternal health workshops. Meanwhile, the Central African Republic launched a presidential-level initiative aimed at improving maternal health nationwide.

In the Americas, The Bahamas introduced the SIP+ maternal health initiative through press conferences and social media campaigns. Belize hosted media breakfasts featuring targeted video content, while Chile partnered with its Ministry of Health for sustained media presence during a nationwide campaign launch. Cuba celebrated zero maternal deaths in Villa Clara province with festivals and scientific symposia.

The Eastern Mediterranean Region also saw significant activity. Bahrain coordinated joint UN-Ministry of Health events with cross-platform media campaigns, whereas Djibouti marked dual milestones celebrating both World Health Day and 40 years of WHO presence with a focus on maternal health. Jordan released videos from WHO country office staff sharing insights to inspire change.

Within Europe, Armenia combined provincial and ministerial leadership in women's health events covered by national TV. Azerbaijan inaugurated an advanced simulation laboratory at their medical university, while Bulgaria honored nurses supporting a new national nursing strategy amplified by UNICEF. Cyprus launched a mental health strategy along with breastfeeding advocacy initiatives.

South-East Asia witnessed vibrant celebrations too. Bangladesh held a national event complemented by district-level activities, Bhutan combined team-building hikes with official celebrations featuring ministerial messages, and India showcased achievements reducing maternal and child mortality rates via regional webinars.

In the Western Pacific Region, Cambodia connected health workers nationwide virtually with parliamentary engagement. China secured ministerial leadership for events featuring remarks from the Director-General, while Mongolia simultaneously launched two critical health initiatives focusing on newborn health and cervical cancer elimination.

These varied yet unified efforts demonstrate a global commitment towards enhancing maternal and newborn health care services, addressing existing challenges, and ensuring sustainable progress in this crucial area of public health.

As we reflect on these remarkable global efforts, it becomes evident that prioritizing maternal and newborn health is not merely beneficial but imperative for fostering healthier societies. By leveraging collaborative partnerships and innovative strategies, governments and health communities worldwide can effectively combat preventable maternal and newborn deaths, ultimately contributing to a brighter future for all. This World Health Day serves as a powerful reminder of the collective responsibility we share in safeguarding the well-being of mothers and infants globally.