On April 7, 2025, the Legislative Assembly of Sergipe commemorated World Health Day with an event in the Alese hall. Organized by the Health Care Board of Alese and the Women's Special Prosecutor's Office (PromuAlese), the event aimed to raise awareness among staff and visitors about the importance of healthy habits.
World Health Day, established by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1948, has been celebrated since 1950 to inform and sensitize the population regarding quality of life and various factors impacting health. This year, the theme focuses on the health of individuals who gestate, highlighting the need for appropriate health policies and practices.
During the event, attendees were offered educational materials, blood pressure and glucose level checks, and guidance on maintaining healthy practices. Larisse Coelho, a nurse at Alese, explained, "This action aims to demonstrate the importance of balanced nutrition, regular physical activity, annual health check-ups, and keeping vaccination records updated—everything that contributes to maintaining health."
Gisleide Lima Silva, a participant who underwent glucose testing and blood pressure checks, remarked, "This is an opportunity for all of us; having access to health services right here at work is very important for both employees and visitors."
In addition to the event in Sergipe, various activities across Brazil highlighted the significance of World Health Day. In Piauí, the state is emerging as a hub for technological innovation aimed at enhancing public health. Supported by the Piauí Information Technology Company (Etipi), the state has developed systems that improve health management and facilitate care.
The Piauí Digital Health platform has already provided 458,456 services across 223 municipalities, effectively eliminating wait times in Basic Health Units. Meanwhile, the CredSUS digital platform has achieved a remarkable 56% savings in medication procurement for the Health Department (Sesapi).
Furthermore, the Gov.pi Citizen digital government platform offers over 40 health services, with more than 800,000 services rendered to date. Ellen Gera, president of Etipi, emphasized the transformative role of technology in public services, stating, "We believe technology can help build a more accessible, intelligent, and humanized health system."
The event in Piauí also underscored the importance of addressing health disparities and ensuring that all individuals have access to essential health services. This aligns with the WHO's goal of reducing maternal mortality to less than 70 deaths per 100,000 births by 2030, a target that Brazil has committed to achieving.
Brazil aims to reduce maternal mortality to 30 deaths per 100,000 live births by the same year. In 2023, the Maternal Mortality Monitoring Panel recorded 66,400 deaths in Brazil, while the country also achieved the lowest rate of infant and fetal mortality from preventable causes since 1996, with 21,200 deaths recorded.
As part of the World Health Day celebrations, a public lecture and event will be held in front of the Theatro Municipal de São Paulo. This event will feature discussions on reproductive health, including the importance of prenatal care, reproductive planning, and breastfeeding.
The WHO's 2025 campaign, titled "Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures," calls on governments worldwide to implement policies that protect the health of individuals who gestate and prevent neonatal deaths. This campaign is crucial, as approximately 300,000 women die during pregnancy or childbirth each year, and more than 2 million babies die in their first year of life annually.
In addition to the health initiatives, the day also serves as a reminder of the broader determinants of health, including housing, sanitation, environment, work, income, education, physical activities, transportation, leisure, and access to essential goods and services. All these factors play a vital role in ensuring the well-being of the population.
As communities and governments come together to celebrate World Health Day, there is a renewed focus on the importance of health education and accessible services for all. The events held across Brazil are not just about raising awareness; they are about taking action to improve health outcomes and ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to lead a healthy life.
In conclusion, World Health Day serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing efforts needed to promote health and well-being for all individuals, particularly those who are vulnerable. With innovations in technology, awareness campaigns, and dedicated health services, there is hope for a healthier future.
