The World Health Organization, WHO, has called for “immediate and decisive action” to ensure that all mothers and newborns receive the quality care they deserve.

This plea was made in a statement released by the WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific on World Health Day, celebrated annually on April 7.

As part of its year-long campaign, “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures,” WHO urges its member countries to renew their commitment to providing high-quality health care to mothers and newborns.

The campaign highlights the importance of addressing the ongoing challenges of maternal and newborn health across the globe.

The WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific, based in Manila, noted that the region has the second-lowest maternal mortality ratio among WHO’s six global regions, but emphasized that there is still much work to be done.

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While progress has been made, preventable maternal and newborn deaths continue to affect vulnerable communities.

The WHO statement stressed the need for improved access to health care services and a complete transformation in the quality of care provided to women and newborns, particularly in underserved and high-risk areas.

The organization called for greater focus on equitable health care delivery, emphasizing that every woman and baby deserves the highest standard of care to ensure their survival and well-being.

In its call to action, the WHO highlighted the disparities in health care access and quality, pointing out that poor maternal and newborn health outcomes are often concentrated in marginalized and rural communities.

By investing in accessible and high-quality health services, the WHO believes that preventable deaths can be eliminated, helping to achieve the global goal of universal health coverage.

The WHO’s call for action on World Health Day reflects an urgent commitment to addressing the ongoing challenges in maternal and newborn health, with a focus on creating a future where every woman and child has the opportunity to live a healthy life.

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