April 7, 2025, marks World Health Day, an important global health awareness initiative supported by the World Health Organization (WHO). This year’s theme, “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures,” focuses on the urgent need to address maternal and child health issues worldwide. As we reflect on the state of maternal and newborn health, it’s clear that we must take collective action to improve healthcare access and outcomes for mothers and their babies.
The State of Maternal and Child Health: A Global Challenge
Globally, maternal and child health continues to be a major public health challenge. Every year, approximately 300,000 women lose their lives due to complications related to pregnancy or childbirth. Additionally, 2 million newborns die within the first month of life. These deaths are largely preventable with access to proper healthcare services, skilled professionals, and timely medical interventions.
In many countries, including Nigeria, the lack of accessible, affordable healthcare remains a significant barrier. Without proper care during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postnatal period, the risks to both mothers and newborns are elevated.
This crisis calls for urgent action, and one of the most effective ways to improve maternal and child health outcomes is through health insurance.
Why Health Insurance is Key to Improving Maternal and Child Health
Health insurance plays a crucial role in ensuring that families have access to the necessary healthcare services throughout pregnancy, delivery, and the postpartum period. With health insurance, families can access essential medical care, which significantly reduces the risks of preventable maternal and newborn deaths.
Here’s how health insurance can make a positive impact on maternal and child health:
- Access to Quality Healthcare: Health insurance ensures that mothers and babies receive care from qualified healthcare professionals and are treated in well-equipped healthcare facilities. This access can make a life-saving difference.
- Financial Protection: The financial burden of pregnancy-related medical expenses can be overwhelming. Health insurance alleviates these costs, preventing families from facing financial hardship during a critical time.
- Reduced Mortality Rates: Access to timely and appropriate medical care through health insurance can dramatically reduce the risks of maternal and newborn mortality. Health insurance helps ensure that mothers and babies get the care they need at every stage—from prenatal visits to postnatal care.
Key Objectives for Improving Maternal and Child Health
To make significant progress in maternal and child health, several objectives must be pursued:
Community Education: Raising awareness about the importance of maternal and newborn health and the role that health insurance can play in improving healthcare access is essential.
Advocacy for Healthcare Investments: We need greater investments in healthcare infrastructure and insurance programs that specifically support maternal and child health.
Collaboration Across Sectors: Cooperation between healthcare providers, insurance companies, community organizations, and government agencies is vital to create comprehensive, effective solutions for improving maternal and child health.
Take Action This World Health Day: On World Health Day 2025, we urge everyone—individuals, families, and communities—to prioritize maternal and child health by investing in health insurance. By doing so, you are helping to reduce maternal and newborn mortality rates and ensuring that mothers and babies have access to the quality care they need. Together, we can work toward a healthier future for everyone.
Get Started Today!
Taking the first step toward securing health insurance for you and your loved ones is easy. Health insurance offers access to quality healthcare services and provides financial protection during one of the most important times in life.
To learn more about health insurance and how it can benefit your family, reach out to us at chealth@csaae.org. Our team of experts is ready to help guide you through the process and answer any questions you may have.
Join the Movement
Let’s make a commitment to prioritizing maternal and child health, and together, we can build a healthier, brighter future for all.
Together, we can create change.