Representative Joe C. Sosnowski (R) | Illinois General Assembly
Representative Joe C. Sosnowski (R) | Illinois General Assembly
The World Health Organization commemorates its founding each year on April 7th by marking World Health Day to highlight a particular health issue that commands global concern. This year, the theme is “Healthy beginnings, hopeful futures,” aimed at advancing maternal and newborn health.
The campaign encourages nations to showcase research and evidence enhancing the health of women and babies worldwide. An estimated 300,000 women die each year due to pregnancy or childbirth, while over 2 million newborns die in their first month, and about 2 million more are stillborn. This equates to one preventable death every seven seconds, creating profound distress for families globally.
Maternal and newborn mortality can occur in any region, but the majority of these deaths happen in low-income countries or those experiencing conflict. When health care facilities are unavailable, or services disrupted, pregnant women and newborns face severe risks.
Running until 2026, the campaign calls on governments, donors, and health services to invest in effective interventions to enhance care quality. This includes pregnancy-related services, emergency obstetrics, and care for small and preterm infants. Currently, complications from prematurity are the leading cause of death among children under five.
The focus of the initiative also underscores the necessity for health systems to confront underlying issues affecting maternal and newborn health, including obstetric complications, mental health, malnutrition, and the rise of noncommunicable diseases.
In Illinois, the Republican Caucus and Illinois House benefit from the experience of healthcare professionals in addressing legislative health matters. Dr. Paul Jacobs, optometrist and State Representative for the 118th District, Dr. William E. Hauter, specializing in emergency medicine, and Dr. Kevin Schmidt, a chiropractor for the 114th District, all contribute their expertise. Beyond opposing abortions, they support the efforts of pregnancy care centers aiding women and children in distress.
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