Qatar’s Maternal Health Milestones Shine on World Health Day
Doha, April 8, 2025 — As the world came together to celebrate World Health Day on April 7, Qatar proudly showcased its latest achievements in maternal and newborn health. While many nations used the occasion to discuss ongoing healthcare challenges, Qatar stood out for its impressive progress, particularly in safeguarding the lives of mothers and babies.
This year’s World Health Day, held under the theme “My Health, My Right”, emphasized the importance of equitable access to healthcare for all. In Qatar, this message was backed by real-world results: a country where maternal deaths have dropped to zero and where quality care is accessible across every stage of pregnancy and childbirth.
Zero Maternal Deaths in 2023: A Global Model of Excellence
One of the most remarkable milestones announced by Qatar’s Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) was the complete elimination of maternal deaths during childbirth in 2023. Every delivery in the country was attended by highly skilled medical professionals, ensuring timely, safe, and evidence-based care for both mother and child.
This is a rare achievement globally and places Qatar well ahead of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3.1, which aims to reduce the global maternal mortality ratio to less than 70 per 100,000 live births by 2030.
Health experts have attributed this success to Qatar’s strong investment in maternal health infrastructure, early detection of complications, and widespread access to antenatal and postnatal care. Women are supported throughout their pregnancy with personalized care plans, modern diagnostic tools, and access to well-trained midwives, gynecologists, and nurses.
This life-saving achievement highlights the effectiveness of Qatar’s integrated healthcare model—where prevention, early intervention, and professional delivery services come together to protect life at its most vulnerable stage.
A Comprehensive Health Strategy with Women at the Center
At the heart of Qatar’s success is its visionary National Health Strategy 2024–2030, which prioritizes women’s health and the well-being of children and adolescents. This national roadmap was designed not only to treat illness but to build a culture of wellness that spans from early childhood to old age.
The strategy includes programs that focus on reproductive health, adolescent well-being, and pre-marital health education. Women receive care that begins before pregnancy even starts, continues through the delivery process, and extends into the postnatal period with counseling and nutritional support.
By placing maternal and newborn health at the core of its public health mission, Qatar ensures continuity of care across all levels of its health system—from community clinics to advanced specialty hospitals.
This approach promotes healthier families and empowers women to make informed decisions about their bodies, health, and futures.
Baby-Friendly Hospitals Supporting Mothers from the Start
Since 2016, Qatar has implemented the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF. This global program recognizes hospitals that provide optimal care for breastfeeding mothers and newborns.
The initiative has reshaped the childbirth experience in Qatar, transforming hospitals into supportive environments where breastfeeding is actively encouraged, mothers are educated on infant nutrition, and healthcare staff are trained in lactation support.
Thanks to the BFHI, breastfeeding rates in Qatar have steadily increased, contributing to stronger immune systems and better overall health outcomes for infants. New mothers are also empowered through guidance and support, which reduces postnatal stress and improves maternal mental health.
The Baby-Friendly model reinforces the idea that maternal care is not limited to delivery—but continues well into early motherhood, offering a full spectrum of care and emotional support.
Sehatuha Campaign: Promoting a Culture of Preventive Health
In February 2025, the Ministry of Public Health launched a dynamic public health campaign called “Sehatuha”, which means “Her Health” in Arabic. This initiative, developed in partnership with Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, is designed to enhance women’s health awareness across the country.
Sehatuha promotes preventive screenings, wellness checkups, and proactive health behaviors among women of all ages. From breast and cervical cancer screenings to mental wellness and reproductive health education, the campaign reaches thousands through workshops, seminars, digital campaigns, and mobile clinics.
Minister of Public Health H E Mansoor bin Ebrahim Al Mahmoud emphasized that this campaign is a key driver of the National Health Strategy, encouraging lifestyle changes and early detection of disease—two pillars of long-term health.
Sehatuha plays a vital role in shifting public attitudes toward prevention, helping women see regular health checkups as a necessity, not a luxury.
Foundation of Success: The Second National Health Strategy
Qatar’s recent progress has been built on the strong foundation of its Second National Health Strategy (2018–2022), which achieved more than 90% of its objectives. This earlier strategy was instrumental in strengthening the country’s healthcare system, increasing workforce capacity, and improving the overall quality of care.
One of the major focuses during that period was developing midwifery services, promoting natural births when appropriate, and expanding maternity education programs. Healthcare professionals received advanced training, and more culturally appropriate services were introduced to make maternal care inclusive and patient-centered.
These achievements helped close important gaps in service access and paved the way for new, more ambitious health strategies in the years to come.
International Recognition: WHO Declares Qatar a Healthy Nation
Qatar’s consistent efforts have not gone unnoticed. In a landmark achievement, all municipalities in the country have been recognized by the WHO as “Healthy Cities.” This certification is awarded only to cities that meet rigorous standards related to urban health, safety, and access to care.
It reflects Qatar’s whole-of-society approach to health, where environmental design, education, urban planning, and healthcare delivery are interlinked to create healthier communities.
Maternal and newborn health is central to this vision. When cities are safe, clean, and supportive, women are more likely to seek care, adhere to medical advice, and raise healthier families.
The Road Ahead: Digital Health and Community-Centered Innovation
Qatar is not stopping here. The nation is already rolling out new technologies to digitize maternal health records, introduce AI-powered diagnostic tools, and launch mobile applications that streamline prenatal checkups and appointment scheduling.
The Ministry is also exploring the use of telehealth and mobile health clinics to reach rural and underserved areas, ensuring that no woman is left behind—regardless of her location, background, or income.
Additionally, more community health educators are being trained to conduct outreach programs in schools, workplaces, and public spaces—spreading knowledge and breaking down taboos around women’s health.
Conclusion: A Role Model in Maternal and Child Health
Qatar’s celebration of World Health Day in 2025 is more than ceremonial—it’s a moment of reflection and pride for a nation that has turned its vision for maternal health into a reality. With zero maternal deaths, rising breastfeeding rates, cutting-edge public health campaigns, and global recognition, Qatar has emerged as a regional and global role model for maternal and newborn care.
As the country looks toward the future with a clear roadmap, community support, and technological innovation, one thing is certain: Qatar is investing in life—not just for today, but for generations to come.
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