This year’s World Health Day, marked on 7 April 2025, will see the World Health Organization (WHO) launch a major year-long campaign focused on maternal and newborn health. Titled Healthy beginnings, hopeful futures, the global initiative calls on governments and health leaders to step up efforts to end preventable deaths during pregnancy and childbirth — and to put the long-term well-being of women and their babies at the heart of healthcare systems.

Despite progress in some areas, maternal and newborn mortality remains alarmingly high. Current global estimates suggest that nearly 300,000 women die each year due to complications during pregnancy or childbirth. More than 2 million babies die within their first month of life, while a further 2 million are stillborn. That’s a preventable death every seven seconds.

Yet according to WHO data, four out of five countries are currently off track to meet global targets on maternal survival by 2030. One in three will miss the targets for reducing newborn deaths.

Supporting women beyond birth

The campaign will spotlight the need for health systems to adapt and provide holistic, high-quality care — not just during pregnancy and delivery, but throughout a woman’s life. That includes addressing mental health needs, managing noncommunicable diseases, and ensuring access to family planning.

“Women need support that is respectful, compassionate and comprehensive — care that listens to their voices and meets their physical, emotional and social needs,” said WHO in a statement.

Over the next year, WHO and its partners will share vital resources to help women, families and communities better understand how to support healthy pregnancies, safe births, and postnatal care.

Laying the foundation for healthier societies

At its heart, the campaign is about equity. Good maternal and newborn health is a fundamental human right and a cornerstone of healthy, resilient societies.

“When mothers and babies are given the care they need to survive and thrive, it benefits entire communities,” said WHO. “This campaign is about turning that vision into reality — for everyone, everywhere.”

Our film for GE Healthcare (as part of our Prioriting Paediatric Health feature) revealed fascinating insight into neonatal intensive care units and creating the optimum environment for preterm babies. 

Through interviews with Dr Porus Bostani, Consultant Neonatologist at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, and Maria Blain, Product Manager for Maternal and Infant Care at GE Healthcare, the film brings to life the work happening inside NICUs — and the remarkable role this care plays in giving vulnerable newborns the best possible start.

The film explores how sensory management — from light and sound control to gentle touch — can positively influence neurodevelopment in preterm infants. As Dr Bostani explains, even small changes in the environment can have long-term impacts on a baby’s brain and physical development.

GE Healthcare’s commitment to innovation in this space is evident in their work to help hospitals create the optimum environment for infants and their families. By designing equipment and care spaces that reduce stress and promote bonding, they are helping to ensure both physical and neurological outcomes are improved — and that mums and babies can go home healthy, together.

Laying the foundation for healthier societies

The goal to support families during one of the most vulnerable times in their lives, and to ensure that every child has the healthiest start possible.

Good maternal and newborn health is a fundamental human right and a cornerstone of healthy, resilient societies.

“When mothers and babies are given the care they need to survive and thrive, it benefits entire communities,” said WHO.