Marking World Health Day, the World Health Organization (WHO) praised Sri Lanka for cutting maternal mortality to 25 per 100,000 live births in 2023, thanks to free, equitable healthcare and professional midwifery.

The country now faces a rise in low birth weight babies, linked to economic hardships and poor maternal nutrition.

Launching its 2025 campaign “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures,” the WHO urged stronger global efforts to prevent maternal and newborn deaths.

Despite a 40% global drop in maternal mortality since 2000, 300,000 women still die yearly, with Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia most affected.

The WHO called for enhanced prenatal care, targeted policies, and better nutrition support to safeguard maternal and newborn health in Sri Lanka amid rising poverty and economic challenges.