WHO’s World Health Day 2025 Theme: “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures”
The World Health Organization (WHO) marks its 77th anniversary on World Health Day 2025, celebrated on April 7. This year’s theme, “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures,” emphasizes the importance of prioritizing maternal and newborn health to ensure a healthier and more equitable global future. WHO’s South-East Asia Region, especially India, is being recognized for its remarkable progress in reducing maternal and child mortality.
India’s Progress in Maternal and Child Health
India has demonstrated significant achievements in maternal and child health, in alignment with WHO’s global vision. From 2010 to 2023, the South-East Asia Region reduced maternal mortality ratio (MMR) by 53%, neonatal mortality rate (NMR) by 44%, stillbirth rate (SBR) by 39%, and under-five mortality rate (U5MR) by 49%.
India’s Maternal Mortality Ratio dropped from 130 per 100,000 live births in 2014–16 to 97 in 2018–20—an 83% decline since 1990, surpassing the global reduction of 42%. Child health indicators have also improved significantly. Between 2014 and 2020:
Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) fell from 39 to 28 per 1,000 live births
Neonatal Mortality Rate (NMR) dropped from 26 to 20
Under-5 Mortality Rate (U5MR) declined from 45 to 32
From 1990 to 2020, India achieved a 65% reduction in NMR, 69% in IMR, and 75% in U5MR—outpacing global reductions.
go to who site: https://www.who.int/
Key Government Schemes for Maternal Health in India
India’s commitment to safe motherhood is reflected through flagship programs like:
Janani Suraksha Yojana
SUMAN (Surakshit Matritva Aashwasan)
Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan
These initiatives have contributed to 88.8% institutional births. Over 41,000 public healthcare facilities provide maternal services, with 1,100+ LaQshya-certified labour rooms and 800 maternity operation theatres maintaining high quality standards.
Community and Digital Initiatives Supporting Maternal Care
India has implemented a multi-pronged approach to improve maternal and child health. This includes programs like the Maternal Death Surveillance and Response (MDSR), Mother and Child Protection (MCP) Card, and Safe Motherhood Booklet, all designed to empower pregnant women and monitor health outcomes. Digital platforms such as the Reproductive and Child Health (RCH) Portal ensure timely and accurate tracking of maternal care. Initiatives like Anaemia Mukt Bharat under POSHAN Abhiyan target nutritional deficiencies among women, while Birth Waiting Homes (BWH), Village Health, Sanitation & Nutrition Days (VHSNDs), and outreach camps bring healthcare access to remote tribal and underserved regions.
watch video here: https://youtu.be/Y50H8E2szbY?si=BGsEiupazK5Nq2fx
Expanding Primary Healthcare: Ayushman Arogya Mandirs
As of April 2025, more than 1.76 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (Health & Wellness Centres) are operational across India, providing comprehensive primary healthcare. These centers have conducted over 107 crore hypertension screenings, 94 crore diabetes screenings, and more than 5 crore wellness sessions, including yoga and meditation. Additionally, over 17,000 government health facilities are certified under the National Quality Assurance Standards (NQAS), reinforcing patient-focused and quality-driven care.
Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission: Revolutionizing Digital Health in India
India’s healthcare delivery has undergone a digital transformation, led by the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM). As of April 5, more than 76 crore digital health accounts (ABHA) have been created. Over 5.95 lakh verified healthcare professionals and 3.86 lakh health facilities are now digitally connected, with over 52 crore health records linked. The U-WIN portal under the Universal Immunization Programme is helping track vaccine doses for pregnant women and children under 16. By December 2024, 29.22 crore vaccine doses had been administered, and 1.32 crore vaccination sessions completed.
eSanjeevani: India’s National Telemedicine Service
India’s national telemedicine service, eSanjeevani, has become a vital tool for remote healthcare access. As of April 2025, over 36 crore consultations have been completed, with services provided in 130 medical specialties. The platform supports more than 2.3 lakh healthcare providers and over 17,000 hubs and spokes.
Major Disease Elimination Achievements in India
In terms of disease control, India has made significant progress. According to the WHO World Malaria Report 2024, malaria cases dropped by 69% and deaths by 68% between 2017 and 2023. In 2024, India exited the WHO’s High Burden to High Impact list. The country also eliminated trachoma as a public health concern, and its measles-rubella campaign has led to zero measles cases in 50 districts and no rubella in 226 districts as of March 2024.
India has shown consistent results in the fight against tuberculosis (TB). From 2015 to 2023, TB incidence declined from 237 to 195 cases per lakh population (17.7%), while TB-related deaths dropped from 28 to 22 per lakh. The number of missing TB cases decreased by 83% during the same period, supported by the Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan and the involvement of over 2.5 lakh Ni-kshay Mitras. The country also achieved the elimination of Kala-azar in all endemic blocks by the end of 2023.
Under the Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), more than 55 crore economically vulnerable citizens are covered by health insurance of Rs. 5 lakh per family per year. As of April 2025, over 40 crore Ayushman Cards have been issued, and 8.5 crore hospital admissions facilitated. The scheme covers nearly 32,000 empanelled hospitals, including over 17,000 public and 14,000 private institutions. ASHA and Anganwadi workers are now also beneficiaries, along with over 25 lakh senior citizens under the Ayushman Vay Vandana Card scheme.
Mental health services have also expanded significantly. The Tele-MANAS (National Tele-Mental Health Programme) offers 24/7 support in 20 languages via 53 centers across all states and union territories. As of April 2025, more than 20 lakh calls have been handled, backed by Rs. 230 crore in funding over the past three years. According to the Manoashraya Dashboard, over 440 rehabilitation and halfway homes are operational, providing structured support for people needing psychosocial care.
India’s progress in maternal and child health, digital innovation, universal healthcare, and disease elimination reflects a long-term, holistic approach. These efforts align with WHO’s goals and place India as a global leader in public health.
Also read: https://theeasterntimes.com/unhappiness-why-we-are-unhappy/
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