Build resilience, bridge gaps

World Health Day 2025 Theme: ‘Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures’

• Emphasizes the role of maternal and newborn health, particularly in India.

• Progress made through Ayushman Bharat and Pradhan Mantri-Jan Arogya Yojana.

• Challenges include staff shortages, inadequate diagnostic facilities, and irregular medicine supplies.

• Recommendations include investing more in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, encouraging medical professionals to work in underserved regions, and implementing policy support, enhanced infrastructure, and digital innovations like telemedicine.

Addressing Disease Burden

• India faces a dual burden of persistent infectious diseases and rising noncommunicable diseases, accounting for over 65% of all deaths.

• Government efforts like Poshan Abhiyaan and Integrated Child Development Services target malnutrition but require stronger data tracking, community engagement, and multisectoral coordination.

• Public health funding is still low, pushing 55 million Indians into poverty each year.

Harnessing Digital Health

• Significant progress in digital health, with programmes like Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission and eSanjeevani facilitating over 10 crore teleconsultations.

• Challenges include a digital divide, concerns about cybersecurity, and lack of strong data privacy laws.

• Investment in rural Internet infrastructure, training for frontline workers, and comprehensive data protection regulations are needed.

Building Resilience

• India’s health objectives align with Sustainable Development Goal 3, emphasizing good health and well-being.

• India’s G20 presidency in 2023 demonstrated leadership in vaccine equity, digital public goods, and health diplomacy.

• Aligning domestic initiatives with global frameworks like the International Health Regulations and the Global Health Security Agenda will bolster pandemic preparedness and international collaboration.

• Mental health and climate resilience are equally pressing issues.

• A cohesive, inclusive, and well-funded health system rooted in innovation, equity, and resilience is essential for achieving developed nation status.