World Health Day 2025: Check theme, history, significance and other details

World Health Day, observed annually on April 7, is a global initiative spearheaded by the World Health Organization (WHO), that aims to draw attention to key health issues concerning the world and emphasise the importance of preventive care.

With increased awareness, improved healthcare facilities and knowledge dissemination about diseases, mental health, etc., have become a global priority. This day acts as a reminder to mobilise efforts towards building a healthier world.

World Health Day 2025 theme

Every year, a specific theme is chosen for this day, focusing on a key health issue or priority. The theme for World Health Day 2025 is ‘Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures.’

The campaign urges governments and health organisations to intensify efforts to end preventable maternal and newborn deaths and ensure the long-term well-being of women. WHO, along with partner organisations, is also aiming to share resources and useful information to support healthy pregnancy, safe births and better postnatal health.

Last year, the theme for World Health Day was ‘My Health, My Right’, focusing on individual well-being and essential healthcare access for all. In 2023, the year that marked the 75th anniversary of WHO, the theme was ‘Health For All,’ drawing attention to public health initiatives.

World Health Day history

WHO was established on April 7, 1948, when the idea of celebrating its founding as World Health Day was proposed at the First Health Assembly. This came into effect in 1950, and the day has been observed as an important event to have crucial conversations around health since then.

World Health Day significance

Marking the founding of WHO, the primary objective of World Health Day is to drive public awareness about key health challenges and inspire action to address them. Every year, the event focuses on a health issue of global importance like maternal care, mental health, food safety, the effect of climate change on health, among others, and encourages governments, individuals and other stakeholders to improve healthcare policies and facilities and adopt preventive care.

Various lectures, programmes, campaigns and community outreach initiatives are organised on this day in an attempt to raise awareness and drive change.