As Nigeria joins the rest of the world to commemorate World Health Day 2025, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has emphasised the urgent need to address maternal and neonatal mortality in the country.
It’s #WorldHealthDay
Since 2000, maternal deaths globally declined by 40%!
BUT—progress is slowing, and aid funding cuts mean major threats to lifesaving maternity services in many parts of the world
— World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) April 7, 2025
Speaking during a commemorative walk held in Abuja, Nigeria, the WHO Country Representative to Nigeria, Dr Walter Kazadi Molumbo, said the event is not only to mark the creation of WHO by Member States but to raise awareness on this year’s theme: “Healthy Beginnings, Brighter Future.”
On #WorldHealthDay, with the theme “Healthy beginnings, hopeful futures,” the #Gaza continues to be one of the most dangerous places to be a child and where pregnancy is clouded by fear due to ongoing violence, displacement and lack of medical access.
Between 18 March and 4… pic.twitter.com/0UKvc52n4y
— WHO in occupied Palestinian territory (@WHOoPt) April 7, 2025
According to Dr Molumbo, the theme speaks directly to the unacceptably high rate of maternal and newborn deaths, calling for immediate and coordinated action among stakeholders.
To mark #WorldHealthDay, @Fmohnigeria, @WHONigeria, and key stakeholders held a health walk in Abuja, promoting awareness under the theme #HealthyBeginningsHopefulFutures. pic.twitter.com/rmJr1yPq1K
— WHO Nigeria (@WHONigeria) April 7, 2025
“Today is about reminding the world of why the WHO was created—to promote health, save lives, and help people live healthily across all stages of life,” he stated.
He noted that while the recent National Demographic Health Survey provides insight into the situation, the previous data already indicated that maternal and neonatal mortality rates in Nigeria remain high.
Dr Molumbo highlighted WHO’s ongoing support to the Nigerian government, especially with the recent launch of the MAMI initiative, an effort by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to reduce deaths among mothers and newborns.
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He said though the initiative is still new, it presents an opportunity for the government, civil society, and communities to work together and bring down the numbers significantly before 2030.
Commenting on WHO’s role, Dr Molumbo affirmed that the organisation will continue to strengthen collaboration with health workers, improve guidelines, and ensure readiness to respond to health needs across the country.
“It’s not about them and us; it’s all of us together. WHO is committed to scaling up its efforts with a sense of urgency,” he added.
World Health Day is celebrated every 7th April to highlight pressing health issues and commemorate the founding of the World Health Organisation in 1948.
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