FREEPIK

Every year on April 7, the world pauses to mark World Health Day — a moment to reflect on the progress we’ve made and the challenges that remain in global health. This year’s theme, “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures,” is a powerful reminder that the well-being of mothers and their children is foundational to the health of any nation.

Yet the reality remains stark.

Each year, nearly 300,000 women die from pregnancy or childbirth-related complications. More than 2 million newborns lose their lives in the first month, and 2 million more are stillborn. That’s one preventable death every seven seconds, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

These are not just numbers — they are stories of mothers who never got to cradle their babies, of families shattered by loss, and of futures altered forever.

Despite ongoing efforts, the WHO warns that four out of five countries are not on track to meet the 2030 targets for reducing maternal deaths. One in three countries will fall short of their goals for newborn survival.

Behind these statistics lies an urgent call to action.

High-quality, compassionate care must be available to women and families — before, during, and after childbirth. This includes not only addressing obstetric emergencies, but also mental health support, noncommunicable diseases, and access to family planning. Health systems must be responsive to the complex realities of maternal and newborn health.

In the Philippines, we have made important strides. The maternal mortality ratio has improved from 129 per 100,000 live births in 2000 to 78 in 2020. But challenges persist. The estimated infant mortality rate in 2024 — 22 per 1,000 live births — still falls short of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

To meet these goals, the Department of Health (DoH) is implementing comprehensive strategies like the Integrated Maternal, Neonatal and Child Health and Nutrition Strategy. This program emphasizes skilled birth attendance, emergency obstetric care, and family planning — aiming for 90% of births in healthcare facilities and increased access to antenatal care (ANC).

ANC supports women throughout pregnancy with essential services like medical exams, nutritional and mental health assessments, iron and folic acid supplements, and screening for infections. It’s a critical safeguard for both mother and baby.

Facility-based deliveries (FBD), another cornerstone of the DoH strategy, ensure mothers give birth in safe environments, supported by skilled professionals. This reduces complications and increases survival rates.

Following birth, postnatal care (PNC) is equally vital. It includes immunization for newborns, lactation counseling, mental health screening for mothers, and education on family planning and nutrition. The DoH recommends that every woman receive a health check within two days of delivery — a simple step that can save lives.

Vaccination also plays a pivotal role in protecting mothers and infants. Pregnant women are advised to receive key immunizations such as the flu shot, tetanus-diphtheria (Td), and hepatitis B. After delivery, catch-up vaccinations — including MMR and varicella — can be safely administered to protect both mother and future pregnancies.

But medical care alone is not enough.

Supportive policies and laws are essential in protecting maternal and child health. Legislation such as the Universal Health Care Act, the First 1,000 Days Act, and the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health (RH) Law underscore the country’s commitment to safeguarding the rights and health of women and children.

The research-based biopharmaceutical industry stands with governments, healthcare professionals, and communities in this shared mission. Together, we can end preventable maternal and newborn deaths and build a future where every woman and child have the chance not just to survive — but to thrive.

This World Health Day, let us remember: Every healthy beginning leads to a more hopeful future.

Teodoro B. Padilla is the executive director of Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines which represents the biopharmaceutical medicines and vaccines industry in the country. Its members are in the forefront of research and development efforts for COVID-19 and other diseases that affect Filipinos.