Maternal and newborn health key focus as World Health Day kicks off

Johannesburg - Every year, World Health Day, celebrated on 7 April, highlights a chosen critical issue for global health. This week kicked off the 2025 year-long campaign that will focus on maternal and newborn health. This year's theme led by the World Health Organization and partners, and titled Healthy beginnings, hopeful futures, urges governments, companies and communities to ramp up efforts to end preventable maternal and newborn deaths, and to prioritise women's longer-term health and well-being.

Tragically, based on currently published estimates provided by the World Health Organization, close to 300 000 women die during pregnancy or childbirth each year, while over 2 million babies die in their first month of life and around 2 million more are stillborn. That equates to 1 preventable death every 7 seconds. Behind these staggering global figures lies South Africa's own struggle: despite progress, the country's maternal mortality ratio remains at 127 deaths per 100,000 live births—nearly four times higher than the average for upper-middle-income nations.

In addition, and based on current trends, a staggering four out of five countries are off track to meet targets for improving maternal survival by 2030. One in three will fail to meet targets for reducing newborn deaths.

The situation is being exacerbated by the US Government's decision to cut foreign aid programmes and funding, which have supported millions of African women who rely on free contraceptives, life-saving maternal medicines and HIV/Aids medications and treatment. 

It's against this backdrop that maternal mortality, unplanned pregnancies and infant deaths could all increase as the global ecosystem for improving sexual, reproductive, maternal, neonatal and child health has been compromised. The consequences of this disruption are not theoretical - they're already being felt across vulnerable populations, including many here at home.

Yet South Africa's story isn't just one of challenges - it's also one of resilience. Local initiatives, from community health worker programmes to innovative public-private partnerships, are proving that change is possible when investment meets commitment. As the global campaign launches, the question for South Africa is clear: How can the nation accelerate progress to ensure no mother or newborn is left behind?

AfroCentric Group, a diversified healthcare group in Southern Africa with Sanlam as a 60% shareholder, is well positioned to highlight maternal and newborn well-being issues and to support those providing ante-natal care, birth and delivery, and post-natal care services.

The Group has partnered with Eluthandweni Maternity Health Services since 2020 to provide prenatal education, HIV testing and counselling, and delivery and postnatal care for communities surrounding the East Rand of Gauteng.

"At a time when global health funding is shrinking, South Africa's progress in maternal and newborn health depends on strong partnerships between the private sector, healthcare professionals and communities. At AfroCentric, we're proud to collaborate with dedicated nurses, midwives and local organisations to strengthen health systems from the ground up. Demonstrating how coordinated action can protect our most vulnerable mothers and babies - proving that when we combine resources and expertise, we can fill critical gaps in care," says Aklaaq Mahmood Executive Director – AfroCentric Group Diversified Investments.

The Mother and Child Partner in Health and Wellness initiative encourages pregnant women and their partners to seek early antenatal care while equipping mothers to recognise early danger signs during their pregnancies, to prepare for birth and to be informed of complications that may arise post-partum.

"Free HIV testing and counselling is available anytime at our clinic and we also motivate for self-care. We actively encourage fathers and support persons to participate in the birthing process, providing crucial emotional and physical support to expectant mothers throughout pregnancy and delivery," says sister Nonina Diphoko, Managing Director Eluthandweni Maternity Health Services.

The clinic also provides education on how to monitor and manage existing medical conditions that can be aggravated by pregnancy, such as hypertension, diabetes and anaemia, early identification of pregnancy and post-delivery danger indicators, as well as preparation for birth and potential complications. Since its inception, the clinic has successfully supported natural deliveries, referring to hospital only when a C-section is medically necessary—a testament to its rigorous safety protocols. To date, it has maintained an impeccable record: no maternal or newborn deaths during childbirth.

Better maternal health means improving the rights of women and girls so that they can plan their lives and protect their health. Their agency and empowerment are fundamental for tackling both maternal and newborn deaths and achieving health.

Beyond saving lives, investing in maternal and child health yields profound economic returns for South Africa. Healthy mothers are better able to participate in the workforce, while children who survive and thrive grow into productive adults—breaking cycles of poverty and reducing long-term healthcare burdens.

When clinics like Eluthandweni ensure safe deliveries and postnatal care, they don't just protect families; they strengthen communities and fuel economic resilience. In a nation where every birth represents future potential, safeguarding maternal and child health isn't just healthcare—it's a cornerstone of national prosperity.

Alternative sources of funding will need to be identified, and national government will need to play a strong coordinating role, with more donors tapping the private sector and philanthropic organisations. Civil society and grassroots organisations will need to focus on local solutions and education.

Women everywhere need access to health providers who listen to their concerns and meet their needs – including in the months after pregnancy when millions lack critical support, despite enduring lasting health consequences after birth.

Raising awareness about this year's World Health Day theme is the start to better outcomes for mothers and newborns everywhere.