By Mandisa Dlamini (HST Communications Assistant)
World Health Day is celebrated on 7 April every year. In 2025, the WHO has selected maternal and newborn health as the focus of its campaign, which will have the tagline "Healthy beginnings, hopeful futures". This year-long campaign encourages all governments and health communities to drive action towards an end to all preventable maternal and newborn deaths and ensure that long-term health for women remains a priority.
Around the country, events and activities are conducted during the month of April. These include free health check-ups, informational seminars, as well as workshops where local leaders will debate strategies to fight both newly emerging as well as chronic issues.
Not only is World Health Day a reminder of the worldwide commitment towards improving health, it is also a time to recognise the incredible advances that have been made over the years. South Africa's rich heritage and resilient spirit continues to drive forward new innovative health policies as well as community-driven initiatives.
Health Systems Trust (HST) takes the initiative to advance public health by making healthcare, information, and treatment readily available in communities. Our mobile healthcare services, such as HIV, TB and pap smear test units, extend vital checks to outlying communities. HST also actively promotes the dissemination of health information through pamphlets and community outreach, enabling the public to acquire information on prevention and well-being. HST's commitment to public health shows in our active involvement in national conferences. Recently, we made a presentation at the SAPHEX Conference in Johannesburg on pharmaceutical and healthcare developments. Our communications team is currently attending PHASA 2025 in the Western Cape, advancing our purpose to spread information and promote health initiatives. Through these initiatives, HST remains a key player that contributes to improving the lives of every individual by ensuring they are well-informed, supported, and linked to basic healthcare services.
Local communities are encouraged to be actively involved by attending local functions, engaging in talks, and making use of available healthcare services. This collective effort is crucial for promoting a strong healthcare system that benefits everyone regardless of background or condition.
World Health Day 2025 is a timely reminder that good health is a basic right everyone is entitled to, and every step made by communities counts towards a bigger picture of global well-being. Let us all lend a helping hand to initiatives that ensure health care is a top priority, leading the way towards a promising, healthier South Africa.
For more information and ongoing updates, please visit South African Department of Health and World Health Organization.