Observed every year on April 7, World Health Day serves as a global call to action for improving public health. Initiated by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1950, this day unites governments, health institutions, and communities to address pressing healthcare challenges.
Theme for 2025
This year’s theme, “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures,” emphasizes the importance of maternal and newborn well-being. The initiative encourages nations to eliminate preventable maternal and infant deaths while ensuring long-term health for mothers.
Aligned with this mission, India has made significant strides in healthcare, particularly in maternal and child health. The government, through the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, has implemented transformative policies to expand healthcare access, enhance infrastructure, and improve maternal and child health outcomes.
Transforming Maternal & Child Health
India has made remarkable progress in maternal and child health, reflecting a significant decline in mortality rates. Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR): Reduced from 130 (2014-16) to 97 (2018-20) per 100,000 live births—an 83% decline since 1990. Infant Mortality Rate (IMR): Dropped from 39 (2014) to 28 (2020) per 1,000 live births. Under-5 Mortality Rate (U5MR): Declined from 45 (2014) to 32 (2020) per 1,000 live births.
Key Interventions Driving Progress
India’s maternal and child health programs continue to focus on improving care accessibility and addressing high-risk pregnancies. Maternal Death Surveillance & Response (MDSR): Tracks maternal deaths to refine healthcare strategies. Mother & Child Protection (MCP) Card: Educates expectant mothers on nutrition, government schemes, and institutional deliveries.
Reproductive and Child Health (RCH) Portal: A digital tool ensuring timely maternal and neonatal care. Anaemia Mukt Bharat (AMB): A nationwide campaign tackling anaemia among women and children. Birth Waiting Homes (BWH): Facilities set up in remote regions to encourage institutional deliveries.
Expanding Healthcare Access
As of April 2025, India boasts over 1.76 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (Health & Wellness Centres), providing comprehensive healthcare services. These centres have conducted 107.1 crore hypertension screenings, 94.56 crore diabetes screenings, 5.06 crore wellness sessions, including yoga and meditation. Additionally, 17,000+ government hospitals have been certified under the National Quality Assurance Standards (NQAS) to ensure patient-centric care.
India’s Success in Disease Elimination
India’s disease control efforts have yielded significant milestones:
- Malaria: A 69% drop in cases and 68% reduction in deaths (2017-2023), leading to India’s removal from WHO’s High Burden to High Impact (HBHI) list.
- Trachoma was officially eliminated as a public health threat in 2024, as recognized by the WHO.
- The Measles-Rubella vaccination campaign has drastically cut disease cases, with 50 districts reporting zero measles cases and 226 districts free of rubella since March 2024.
- Under the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP), TB incidence in India fell by 17.7% from 2015 to 2023, with TB-related deaths dropping significantly.
- The Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan has mobilized over 2.5 lakh Ni-kshay Mitra volunteers, who are supporting 15 lakh TB patients nationwide.
- Kala-azar elimination was achieved in October 2024, with 100% endemic areas meeting elimination targets.
