WORLD HEALTH DAY 2025: LEGACY OF 75 YEARS
DR PRADIP BHAUMIK
April 7, 2025
All most every country of the world is observing WORLD HEALTH DAY on Monday the 7 th April2025. Though this is the 75 th year of observance of World Health Day but this year it has got a special importance as it is the beginning of campaign for integrated mother and child health care to reduce maternal and child or new born death worldwide.
It has been observed that across the world there is 1 death every 7 seconds from preventable maternal or infant causes. According to alarming statistics released by the World Health Organization Every year, approximately 300,000 women die due to complications from pregnancy or childbirth. Over 2 million babies die in their first month of life. Another 2 million are stillborn, many of whom could have survived with timely medical intervention.
So this World heath day going to be a game changer event and not only symbolic observance. The WHO urges governments, NGOs, international partners, and individuals to prioritize maternal and newborn health in national health agendas. Invest in infrastructure, especially in rural and underserved areas. The health of mothers and babies is the foundation of healthy families and communities, helping ensure hopeful futures for us all.
Unfortunately based on current trends, it is estimated that 4 out of 5 countries are still not in track to meet targets for improving maternal survival by 2030. 1 in 3 will fail to meet targets for reducing newborn deaths.
Health systems must evolve to manage the many health issues that impact maternal and newborn health. These not only include direct obstetric complications but also mental health conditions, non communicable diseases and family planning. Additionally, women and families should be supported by laws and policies that safeguard their health and rights.
World Health Day 2025 is on April 7, marks the anniversary of the founding of the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1948. The World Health day is being observed from 1950. So this 75 th year is a year of enthusiasm and accelerated missionary thought. This year, the theme “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures” puts a spotlight on maternal and newborn health, launching a year-long global campaign to reduce preventable deaths and improve health outcomes for women and infants.
This theme is crucial because it highlights that a healthy start to life begins with a healthy pregnancy and safe delivery. The well-being of mothers directly impacts the health outcomes of infants, families, and future generations. The day serves as a platform to raise awareness about global health issues and to mobilize action among governments, health institutions, civil society, and individuals.
Hepatitis Foundation of Tripura is organizing World Health Day every year as a part of foundations social commitment to develop community conscience and awareness regarding Universal Health care. Accordingly the foundation started its many pioneering activities like at birth vaccination of Hepatitis B, mass hepatitis B vaccination program, triple prevention program, anti drug mission, Prevention of teenage marriage, non communicable disease prevention so on so forth. All these programs also play a pivotal role in the care of mother and child.
India has made significant progress in improving maternal and child health, with the Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) declining to 97 per 100,000 live births in 2018-20 and the Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) to 28 per 1,000 live births in 2020. In Tripura, the Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) is better than many other Indian states, and the state aims to reduce it to single digits by 2025. The Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) has also seen a decline, and the state is implementing various strategies to further improve maternal and child health outcomes.
Tripura had a Mother and Child care Hospital namely Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital long back ,though it has become multi specialty Hospital now. But government of Tripura is establishing a new 200 bedded Mother and Child center at Agartala Govt Medical College and GBP Hospital. This will be a pioneering center in North East India.
But community approach and mobilization is a key factor in mother and child care. To give this campaign a big momentum Hepatitis Foundation of Tripura in association with various Government departments and social organization is organizing various program in the state of Tripura.
The State level program is a HEALTH RALLY at Agartala . The rally will be addressed by the Chief Minister of Tripura Prof. (Dr) Manik Saha, who is big motivating force in public Heath movement in Tripura. Shri Dipak Majumdar , Mayor of Agartala City will also address the rally. The rally will be flagged off at 6.30 am on 7th April 2025 from the front of Ujjaynta palace. The colorful rally will move the city and culminate at Ujjyanta palace. Hepatitis Foundation of Tripura requested everybody to be part of this mother and child health campaign.
(Tripurainfo)
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