On this year’s World Health Day on April 7, 2025, Ifakara Health Institute showcased its work at the ongoing National Health Week in Dodoma, which wraps up today. 

Ifakara scientists hosted interactive health education sessions at the Institute’s exhibition booth, engaging directly with visitors on key health topics. The sessions covered mosquito control, non-communicable diseases, nutrition, hygiene and waste management, and mental health. In addition, visitors received free health screenings for malaria and blood pressure — an effort aimed at raising awareness and promoting healthier lifestyles.

This year’s World Health Day theme, “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures,” set by the World Health Organization (WHO), highlights the critical importance of maternal and newborn health. The theme underscores the need for stronger healthcare systems to provide a solid foundation for future generations.

Work in maternal, newborn health 

Ifakara is proud to support this call through its ongoing work in maternal and newborn health, driven by both research and programmatic efforts. One of the Institute’s major initiatives is the NEST360 program, which focuses on improving the quality of newborn care in health facilities across Tanzania. Learn more about NEST360

Other key efforts include the MMS-MAP Study, which aims to assess the effects of multiple micronutrient supplements (MMS) containing 60 mg and 45 mg of iron, compared to the standard 30 mg MMS dose, on reducing maternal anaemia during pregnancy. For more information on the MMS-MAP Study, visit: [insert MMS-MAP Study link].

About World Health Day
World Health Day is celebrated every year on April 7 to raise global awareness around pressing health issues. The day marks the anniversary of the founding of the World Health Organization in 1948 and serves as a platform for action, advocacy, and public engagement in the health sector.