On 7 April, the Western Pacific region celebrated World Health Day 2025 at the World Health Organization Regional Office (WHO WPRO), with a spotlight on improving maternal and newborn health under the theme Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures. The IHF was represented by Dr Ian Kenneth Bermeo of the Philippine Hospital Association and Vice President for Operations at Adventist Medical Center Manila.

The event opened with welcome remarks from Dr Annie Chu, Coordinator of the Health Policy and Service Design Division under the Health Systems and Services at the WHO WPRO. In his keynote address, WHO Regional Director Dr Saia Ma’u Piukala emphasized the central role of maternal and newborn health in achieving universal health coverage across the region.

“This year’s theme, Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures, marks the start of a year-long campaign to improve maternal and newborn health. We aid countries and partners to renew commitments to ensure high quality health care for every mother and newborn. The health of mothers and babies is a crucial part of our tribe to achieve universal health coverage.”

Highlights of the event included a special musical performance by the WHO WPRO Music Company, which served as a creative expression of the emotional and human aspects of maternal care. Described by Dr Chu:

“Maternal and newborn health is not only about the statistics, policies and systems, it is deeply human. It’s about the love, the care, and the moments that begin with a mother’s first embrace with her child. And to bring that emotion to life…”

A presentation titled “It Takes a Village: Maternal and Newborn Health in Papua New Guinea” was delivered by Dr Sevil Huseynova, WHO Representative to Papua New Guinea, and Honourable Elias Kapavore, Minister of Health and HIV and AIDS for Papua New Guinea. The presentation highlighted the challenges and collaborative efforts in improving outcomes for mothers and infants in Papua New Guinea.

A panel discussion on maternal and newborn health in the Philippines followed, moderated by Dr Eunyoung Ko, Deputy WHO Representative to the Philippines. Panellists included Dr Abdullah Dumama, Jr, Undersecretary of Health and Concurrent Director IV of the Davao Regional Center for Health Development, Department of Health; Dr Socorro Mendoza, Founding President of the Kangaroo Mother Care Foundation Philippines, Inc.; Patricia Gomez, Executive Director of the Integrated Midwives Association of the Philippines; Dr Malalay Ahmadzai, Chief of Health and Nutrition at UNICEF Philippines; and Hyung Won Lee, Assistant Country Director at KOICA. Each speaker shared unique experiences and perspectives on improving maternal and newborn health systems and services.

Dr Teodoro Herbosa, Secretary of Health of the Philippines, delivered the closing remarks. In a nod to the founding of WHO, he noted “Happy birthday to WHO… Today is the birthday of WHO as well.” He reminded the audience that the Philippines was among the 61 nations that signed the WHO constitution on July 22, 1946, with the organization officially beginning operations on April 7, 1948.

“The Department of Health has made maternal and newborn health a central priority,” Dr Herbosa affirmed. “Let us carry forward a clear message that the journey to a healthier world begins with ensuring that every mother is seen and cared for, and every newborn is welcomed into life with safety and hope.”

Adding a personal touch to the event, television host, advocate, and UN Women Volunteer Bianca Gonzalez-Intal shared her personal testimony, highlighting the lived experiences behind the presented cases.

The celebration concluded with a symbolic commitment activity, where participants pinned photos and personal handwritten commitments in support of maternal and newborn health – signalling collective action toward healthier beginnings for future generations.

With thanks to Dr Ian Kenneth Bermeo for participating in this event on behalf of the IHF, affirming our strong support and unwavering commitment to advancing maternal and newborn health. As a global organization dedicated to improving hospital leadership and strengthening health systems, the IHF’s presence underscored the vital role of hospitals in delivering equitable, high-quality care and aligned with the core message of World Health Day 2025 – ensuring healthy beginnings for all.

Hear more from IHF Members on the importance of making safe maternity care a healthcare leadership priority in our videocast and key takeaways, released to mark International Day for Maternal Health and Rights 2025.