Worldwide rally for maternal and newborn health marks World Health Day 2025

On the occasion of the World Health Day 2025 dedicated to the theme of Healthier beginnings, hopeful futures, over 100 global offices of the World Health Organization (WHO) have organized wide-ranging public advocacy actions in collaboration with Member States, communities, health workers, partner and donor agencies and civil society organizations. The unprecedented global action to defend maternal and newborn health care services highlights the importance of protecting critical maternal, newborn health related services that are increasingly under threat of funding challenges affecting the global health sector.  World Health Day 2025 actions by WHO officesAfrican RegionAngola launched a dynamic Facebook live event and media campaign with UNICEF and UNFPA and partners.Burundi orchestrated a 10-day celebration featuring refugee clinic visits, school disease screenings, and maternal health workshops.Central African Republic hosted a presidential-level celebration launching maternal health roadmap with nationwide media coverage.Chad mobilized 250 UN volunteers for the campaign, culminating in a ministerial ceremony and refugee camp celebrations.Republic of the Congo featured a high-profile Walk the Talk event with the Regional Director to launch a maternal death management system, among other events.Comoros held a joint event with the Directorate of Family Health.Côte d'Ivoire spotlighted reproductive health of disabled women through powerful exhibitions and data showcases.Eritrea conducted knowledge competitions and community visits to maternal waiting homes led by Minister of Health, among other events.Eswatini organized community dialogues on maternal issues with strategic media placements across multiple platforms.The Gambia commemorated through media engagements on national radio and TV networks.Guinea implemented nationwide vaccination campaigns alongside free consultations and high-level advocacy efforts.Lesotho engaged the Prime Minister in a community event complemented by university debates and a scientific symposium.Liberia held a Walk the Talk event with the Ministry of Health.Madagascar combined official ceremonies with free health care services, video broadcasts, among many other activities including an energetic Zumba fitness event.Malawi delivered a bilingual media campaign featuring the Minister of Health addressing maternal and neonatal health priorities.Mali showcased perinatal clinic facilities through an official ceremony and comprehensive media coverage.Mauritania blended cultural performances with scientific panels on reproductive health in a high-impact ceremony.Nigeria: WHO Nigeria, MOH and partners organized a walk to sensitize on improving maternal and newborn health, ending preventable deaths, and prioritizing women's long-term well-being.South Sudan: amidst the ongoing security concerns, no public events were held but advocacy messages were disseminated.Republic of Sierra Leone facilitated the First Lady's visi