Every year on April 7th, the world marks World Health Day, a time to reflect on global health challenges and explore opportunities for change. This year’s theme – Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures – deeply resonates with the work we do at Child.org. It’s more than a slogan; it’s a powerful call to action that reminds us that safe pregnancies, healthy births and strong starts in life are essential for building a better future for generations to come.
Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures
The earliest moments of life from pregnancy through birth and the first weeks after form the foundation for a child’s lifelong health and wellbeing: quality care in the early days of life improves an individual’s health, productivity and social cohesion throughout their lifetime. The benefits even continue into the next generation (Department of Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health and Ageing, World Health Organization, 2021).
Therefore, when mothers and newborns have access to quality, respectful and timely care, they don’t just survive, they thrive. Healthy beginnings unlock hopeful futures, where children grow, learn and contribute fully to their communities and mothers are empowered to raise them in safety and dignity.
The benefits even go beyond the individual and their communities: according to the World Health Organization, every dollar invested in maternal and child health can generate a return of $7 in economic benefits, driven by reduced healthcare costs, increased productivity and healthier future generations. Taking small, community-led steps to improve maternal and newborn care will have a transformative effect on the future of our societies.
This theme reinforces the urgent need to invest in maternal and neonatal health as a pathway to stronger, more resilient and more equitable societies.
State of Maternal and Neonatal Health in Kenya
While progress has been made, significant challenges remain in maternal and neonatal health, particularly in Kenya. According to the 2022 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (KDHS, 2022), the maternal mortality rate stands at 355 deaths per 100,000 live births, while neonatal mortality is 21 deaths per 1,000 live births.
These are not just statistics, they represent real mothers, real babies and real families facing tragic and often preventable losses. No mother should lose her life while bringing new life into the world. No baby should die from causes that could have been prevented with the right care and support.
Child.org’s Commitment
At Child.org, we are committed to changing this reality. Through our work with county health management teams, we are strengthening maternal and neonatal health systems by improving access to quality healthcare, providing essential maternal education and ensuring that every mother and baby receives the care they deserve. Our Team Mum programs focus on equipping mothers with knowledge and resources to navigate pregnancy and early motherhood safely.
We believe that every mother and every newborn has the right to a healthy beginning. By advocating for better healthcare services, working alongside communities and leveraging data-driven solutions, we are creating real impact.
This World Health Day, we reaffirm our commitment to saving lives, preventing deaths and giving every child the opportunity for a hopeful future.
Call for Action
Join us in raising awareness and taking action. Because when we invest in healthy beginnings, we secure hopeful futures for all. Whether you’re a health professional, policymaker, parent or passionate advocate, there’s a role for you to play. Follow us on all social media platforms: @childdotorg or join our newsletter – Child.org to stay informed and discover meaningful ways you can partner with us, support our programs and help drive change in maternal and neonatal health.
Image: shot by Jeff Mbugua. Features Celine, a pregnant woman who participates in Team Mum Pregnant Women’s Groups.