Dr Preeti Srivastava
According to WHO, approximately 300,000 women die annually due to pregnancy or childbirth complications. Additionally, over 2 million babies die within their first month of life, and around 2 million more are stillborn. This equates to roughly one preventable death every seven seconds.
The statistics highlight the urgent need for improved maternal and newborn healthcare services. The “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures” campaign aims to raise awareness about these issues and advocate for effective investments to enhance health outcomes for mothers and infants.
Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures underscores the critical role of early healthcare interventions in ensuring lifelong well-being. As doctors, our collective mission is to provide a strong foundation for health, ensuring that every child is born into a world where they can thrive physically, emotionally and mentally.
A child’s health journey begins long before birth, in the womb of the mother. Gynaecologists play a pivotal role in ensuring maternal well-being, which directly influences foetal development. From preconception counselling to prenatal care and safe deliveries, gynaecologists are instrumental in reducing maternal and infant mortality and improving long-term health outcomes.
Once a child is born, the responsibility shifts to paediatricians, who ensure that newborns and children receive the necessary medical attention for proper growth and development. Early-life interventions significantly affect long-term health outcomes, reducing the burden of chronic illnesses in adulthood.
A healthy beginning sets the foundation for a hopeful future. Collaboration at various levels ensures safe pregnancies, optimal newborn care, and comprehensive child development. By prioritizing maternal and child health, we pave the way for a generation that is healthier, stronger, and better prepared for the future.
As we observe World Health Day 2025, let us reinforce our commitment to early healthcare interventions, recognising that the first few years of life define a person’s health trajectory. A healthier start today promises a brighter, disease-free and more hopeful future for generations to come.
(The author is Senior Consultant, Medical Indoor Services, at Tata Main Hospital)
