April 7, World Health Day: the global commitment to maternal and neonatal health

Every April 7 the world commemorates World Health Day, a date to reflect on the challenges and advances in the health field. This year, the World Health Organization (WHO) has chosen as its motto "Healthy beginnings, hopeful futures", highlighting the importance of the health of mothers and newborns as fundamental pillars to build healthier and more equitable societies.

Maternal and neonatal health is not only an essential human right, but also a strategic investment for sustainable development. According to WHO data, every year nearly 300,000 women lose their lives during pregnancy or childbirth, and more than two million newborns die in their first month of life. Alarming figures that underline the need to intensify efforts to guarantee accessible and quality healthcare.

The well-being of mothers and newborns has a direct impact on the health of families and communities. Adequate care during pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum not only reduces maternal and infant mortality, but also promotes the physical and emotional development of children, ensuring them a more promising future.

In this context, Social Security Collaborating Mutual Insurance Companies play a crucial role in offering risk benefits during pregnancy and breastfeeding, designed to protect workers who face occupational risks that could affect their health or that of their children.

This is a benefit that allows women to interrupt their professional activity when it represents a danger to their well-being or that of the fetus. Similarly, breastfeeding risk benefit ensures that mothers can care for their newborns without compromising their health or that of their babies.

According to data from AMAT, the Association of Labor Mutual Insurance Companies, during fiscal year 2024, 60,248 pregnant working women have accessed the Risk Subsidy during Pregnancy paid by mutual insurance companies, which has entailed the payment of 331.76 million euros in benefits, compared to the 63,828 women beneficiaries during fiscal year 2023, with a generated expense of 321.97 million euros.

These benefits not only represent economic support, but also a recognition of the importance of maternal and neonatal health in the work and social sphere so that motherhood is not seen as an obstacle but as a vital stage that must be protected and valued.

This year's campaign also highlights the essential role of nurses and midwives in maternal and neonatal care, as their work not only reduces maternal and infant mortality, but also promotes health equity.