April is an ideal time to be thinking about ways we can better support the health of our communities, as the World Health Organisation (WHO) holds the official World Health Day.
Taking place on 7 April, World Heath Day coincides with the anniversary of the organisation’s founding in 1948, each year calling attention to a specific health topic of concern.
This year, World Health Day will mark the beginning of a yearlong campaign from WHO to promote better maternal and newborn health outcomes. The campaign is set to put pressure on governments and health communities to ramp up efforts to prioritise the long-term newborn and maternal health and wellbeing. Dr Anshu Banerjee, director of Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health and Ageing at WHO, said this year’s campaign comes at an important time.
“The focus of this campaign comes at a crucial moment, aiming to help countries regain lost progress while showcasing new research and evidence that will enhance the health of women and babies globally,” Banerjee said.
“As rollbacks to humanitarian assistance jeopardise a critical lifeline for millions, it will also be an opportunity to step up support and collaboration for global health – and deliver hope to those in urgent need of lifesaving care.”
