Date: 7th April 2025 Speaker: Dr. Prashant Weekey Organized at: MGM Hospital,Belapur

On the occasion of World Health Day 2025, a seminar was conducted by Dr. Prashant Weekey at MGM Hospital,Belapur with the theme 'Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures'. The session focused primarily on pediatric health with emphasis on maternal and child wellness, newborn care, and strategies to reduce neonatal and under-five mortality. Highlights of the Seminar

• World Health Day is celebrated annually on April 7th, initiated by WHO in 1950.
• The theme emphasized the significance of early childhood care as the foundation for lifelong health.
• Pediatric health statistics showed global decline in child mortality, though disparities remain in regions like sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia.
• In India, the current neonatal and under-5 mortality rates are improving but still need targeted efforts to achieve SDG goals.
• Importance of early neonatal interventions such as the Golden One Minute and Golden Hour after birth was elaborated.
• Special focus was given to exclusive breastfeeding, immunization, and early screening (ROP, hearing, metabolic).
• Government schemes like RBSK, SAANS, MAA, and NSSK were discussed as cornerstones of pediatric public health in India. Conclusion The seminar reiterated that investing in maternal and child health lays the groundwork for healthy communities. Improving antenatal care, promoting institutional deliveries, early breastfeeding, and complete immunization coverage were identified as the most impactful strategies toward reducing child mortality and meeting health-related SDG targets by 2030.