
Every year on April 7, the world comes together to observe World Health Day, a global health awareness day under the leadership of the World Health Organization (WHO). The day marks the anniversary of the founding of the WHO in 1948 and provides a unique opportunity to focus on a specific health theme that is of concern to people all over the world.

World Health Day 2025 Theme: World Health Day – a global initiative by the World Health Organisation (WHO) is marked on April 7 every year to raise awareness about diseases and concerns, the significance of preventive care, and good health rising as a top priority.
Falling on a Monday, this year, the day is being celebrated under the theme “Healthy beginnings, hopeful futures”, 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.
WHO and partners will also share useful information to support healthy pregnancies and births, and better postnatal health.
Significance of the Theme
Globally, maternal and newborn health remains a significant concern:
World Health Organization (WHO)
- Approximately 300,000 women die each year due to complications related to pregnancy or childbirth.
- Over 2 million babies die within their first month of life.
- Around 2 million more are stillborn.
These statistics highlight the urgent need for improved healthcare services, education, and support systems to prevent such tragedies and promote the health of mothers and their newborns.
🎯 Objectives of World Health Day 2025
The 2025 campaign aims to:
- Raise Awareness: Highlight the gaps in maternal and newborn health and the need for comprehensive care.
- Advocate for Investment: Encourage governments and health organizations to allocate resources towards maternal and newborn health programs.
World Health Organization (WHO) - Support Healthcare Professionals: Provide training and resources to those delivering care to mothers and infants.
- Empower Women and Families: Offer education on healthy pregnancies, childbirth, and postnatal care.
World Health Organization (WHO) - Promote Community Engagement: Involve communities in supporting maternal and newborn health initiatives.
🌐 Planned Events and Activities
To mark this important day, various events and activities are organized globally:
🏥 Health Workshops and Seminars
Educational sessions focusing on maternal nutrition, prenatal care, and newborn care practices are conducted to inform and empower expectant mothers and families.
📢 Public Awareness Campaigns
Utilizing social media, television, and community outreach, campaigns aim to disseminate information about maternal and newborn health, emphasizing the importance of early and regular healthcare visits.
👩⚕️ Training Programs for Healthcare Providers
Specialized training sessions are organized for midwives, nurses, and doctors to enhance their skills in managing pregnancies, deliveries, and neonatal care.
🎨 Community Engagement Initiatives
Local events such as health fairs, mother-baby gatherings, and storytelling sessions are held to foster community support and share experiences related to maternal and newborn health.
🌱 Policy Dialogues
Forums and discussions with policymakers focus on integrating maternal and newborn health into national health strategies and ensuring adequate funding and resources.
The idea for World Health Day originated from the first World Health Assembly, which was held in Geneva, Switzerland, in 1948. At this assembly, the WHO constitution was adopted, and the organisation was charged with the responsibility of promoting health and preventing disease worldwide.
Consequently, the day is held to mark WHO’s founding and is seen by the organisation as an opportunity to draw worldwide attention to a subject of major importance to global health each year.
The day is marked by a variety of activities and events, including public lectures, health campaigns, and community outreach programmes. Governments and organisations around the world also use the occasion to launch new health initiatives and programmes.