World Health Day 2025: Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures

World Health Day 2025: Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures

Every year on April 7th, the world unites to observe World Health Day, a global initiative led by the World Health Organization (WHO) to spotlight critical health issues. This year’s theme, “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures,” underscores the importance of maternal and child health, advocating for early interventions that ensure a strong start in life.

At MANCOSA, we believe that education and training are essential in strengthening healthcare systems, empowering healthcare workers, and improving health outcomes for mothers, babies, and children.

The Urgent Need to Prioritise Maternal and Child Health

New WHO data reveals that a mother dies every two minutes due to undetected and untreated pregnancy-related complications. The leading causes of these deaths include Haemorrhage – severe heavy bleeding, and Hypertensive disorders, like preeclampsia.

What is alarming is that many of these deaths are preventable with timely medical care. WHO is calling on world leaders to prioritise investments in maternal and child health, ensuring that every mother and baby receives the care they deserve.

Childhood Undernutrition: A Global Concern

While child survival rates have improved, undernutrition remains a major global health issue, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Nearly half of all deaths among children under 5 are linked to undernutrition, with devastating statistics:

• 149 million children under 5 are stunted (too short for their age)
• 45 million children are wasted (too thin for their height)
• 390 million adults are underweight

The consequences of undernutrition extend beyond health—it affects education, economic stability, and overall development.

How Community Health Workers Make a Difference

At the heart of addressing these issues are community health workers, who serve as a vital link between families and healthcare services. They play a crucial role in:

• Providing health education and early interventions for expectant mothers
• Supporting families in poverty and food insecurity
• Connecting communities with early childhood development centres and school feeding schemes

Their work directly supports Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3.2, which aims to end preventable deaths of newborns and children under 5 by 2030. The specific targets include:

• Reducing neonatal mortality to 12 deaths per 1,000 live births
• Lowering under-5 mortality to 25 deaths per 1,000 live births

Empowering Healthcare Workers Through Education

To address these challenges, healthcare professionals must be equipped with specialised knowledge and practical skills. At MANCOSA, we offer targeted healthcare programmes designed to meet this need.

One of our key Short Learning Programmes is the Child Immunisation Schedule and Paediatric Health course which focuses on:

• The National Child Immunisation Schedule
• The role of vaccines in disease prevention
• Common paediatric conditions and care strategies

This programme is ideal for nurses, healthcare workers, educators, and caregivers who want to enhance their knowledge and make a tangible impact in their communities.

Higher Certificate in Healthcare Management: Leading Change

Beyond specialised short courses, strengthening health systems requires skilled professionals in healthcare leadership and management. Our Higher Certificate in Healthcare Management equips students with:

• An understanding of healthcare systems and policies
• Leadership and management skills in healthcare settings
• A focus on public health challenges and solutions

This qualification is perfect for individuals who aspire to manage healthcare facilities, lead public health initiatives, or drive change in healthcare systems.

Join the Movement for Health Equity

This World Health Day, let us commit to investing in maternal and child health, strengthening healthcare leadership, and empowering communities with the education they need to thrive. Whether you are a healthcare professional, an aspiring leader, or a community worker, your role in shaping a healthier future is invaluable.
Be part of the change – explore our Short healthcare programmes!