We support the WHO campaign for Maternal and Neonatal Health
World Health Day, celebrated on 7 April each year, marks this year the launch of a major global initiative by the World Health Organization (WHO) under the theme “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures”, aimed at improving the health and well-being of mothers and newborns across the world.
Promoting healthy pregnancies, safe deliveries, and quality postnatal care is a commitment in which Médecins du Monde is actively engaged—standing beside women every day to ensure they receive respectful, safe, and dignified care throughout the maternal health continuum.
Women everywhere must have equitable access to health services that are people-centred and responsive to their individual needs. Advancing maternal and newborn health depends on upholding the rights of women and girls to make informed decisions about their lives and health. Their empowerment and autonomy are essential to ending preventable maternal and neonatal deaths and achieving universal health coverage—particularly during the vulnerable postnatal period, when millions of women lack access to vital support, despite facing serious and often long-lasting health consequences.
One death every 7 seconds – and yet, it can be prevented
According to recent WHO data:
- 300,000 women die each year from complications related to pregnancy and childbirth.
- 2 million babies die in their first month of life
- around 2 million more babies are stillborn
That’s roughly 1 preventable death every 7 seconds.
Moreover, WHO estimates indicate that 4 out of 5 countries are not on track to meet the global target for reducing maternal mortality by 2030, and 1 in 3 countries will will fail to meet targets for reducing newborn deaths. This must change.
Every woman deserves care – Every family deserves support
Women and families require integrated, quality health care—covering physical, mental, and emotional well-being—before, during, and after childbirth. This calls for stronger, more resilient health systems capable of addressing not only obstetric complications, but also mental health conditions, noncommunicable diseases, and sexual and reproductive health, including family planning.
Our work
As a medical humanitarian organization, MdM Greece raises its voice and contributes actively to ensuring that every woman’s inherent right to a safe pregnancy and childbirth is upheld and never compromised. Every child has the right to survive and thrive, and health systems must meet the needs of all people, without discrimination, promoting dignity and equity.
MdM Greece operates gynecological clinics in Athens, Thessaloniki, and Lesvos, providing essential health services to pregnant women and mothers with children, as well as access to contraception and family planning. In addition, through the “A Step Forward” Open Centre for Women in Athens, we provide accommodation to homeless women and their children in a safe, supportive space, along with empowerment and social inclusion activities.
In 2024, more than 2,000 women received prenatal and postnatal health services through MdM safeguarding both maternal and newborn health. Many of these women come from marginalized or vulnerable communities and have found a reliable source of care and support through our services.
Through the Social Polyclinics in Athens and Thessaloniki, the Closed Controlled Access Centre in Lesvos, and the “A Step Forward” Centre—supported by dedicated professionals and volunteers providing health and psychosocial care—women receive free, quality, and compassionate health services during one of the most significant moments of their lives.
The future begins with the mother. It is our shared responsibility to protect and support her.