Imagine waking up in the morning and not being able to do anything, your physical, mental, and social well-being are out of sync, and everything seems to be in a state of chaos.
In a world that constantly demands our attention, carving out time for health and wellness can feel like a luxury. But it is a necessity. Every aspect of life is impacted by health, from longevity to happiness, so we need to take care of our bodies as it’s the only place we have to live.
All over the world, health has become a major priority as a result of growing awareness of various diseases, mental health issues, and the need for preventive care.
Since its inception in 1950, World Health Day, celebrated annually on April 7, has brought to light important health issues such as mental health, maternal and child care, and climate change.
The theme for World Health Day 2025 is ‘Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures,’ shining the spotlight on maternal and newborn health. It is going to be a year-long global campaign to reduce preventable deaths and improve health outcomes for women and infants.
For Africans and African Americans, this day serves as a reminder of the unique health disparities we face and the urgent need for collective action to address them. We know the statistics too well: higher rates of hypertension, diabetes, stroke, cardiovascular and kidney diseases, and maternal mortality compared to other racial groups. Systemic racism, environmental injustice, and limited access to health care all have a profound impact on our health outcomes. But are we going to give up just because of these challenges? No! We will continue to push for systemic change.
The Health Challenges Facing Africans and African Americans
There’s a long list of challenges that impact the health of Africans and African Americans. Even with improved access to medical care, the disparities in health outcomes between Africans, African Americans, and other racial groups are stark. African American women are three times more likely to die of pregnancy-related causes than White women, African American people are more likely to develop diabetes than White American people, and the list goes on. Let’s take a closer look at some health issues that are more common among Africans and African Americans.
1. Chronic diseases:
Heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, and stroke disproportionately affect Africans and African Americans. Over the last 2 decades, mortality rates of these medical conditions have consistently been highest among Black adults in the United States compared with White adults. Similarly, in Africa, the rise in urbanization and the rapidly increasing share of highly processed foods of high energy density and minimal nutritional value have contributed to a surge in lifestyle diseases.
2. Maternal Health:
Black women are three to four times more likely to die a pregnancy-related death as compared with white women. In Africa, it is no different. The African Region has the highest maternal mortality rate in the world, with approximately 531 deaths per 100,000 live births, as per a 2020 report. The theme of this year’s World Health Day centers around increasing our efforts to end preventable newborn and maternal deaths.
3. Mental health:
People of all ethnicities and cultures experience mental health conditions, but in the Black community, the topic is often seen as taboo. Many Africans and African Americans have been reported to experience mental health challenges but are less likely to seek professional help compared to white people. This is due to stigma and financial barriers around mental healthcare in the Black community.
Taking Action for Wellness
From the government to the community, we all have a role to play in improving the health outcomes for everyone, especially Black people who have experienced historical inequities in healthcare. On World Health Day 2025, here are actionable steps to improve health outcomes for Africans and African Americans:
Advocate for equitable healthcare:
Everyone, regardless of background or race, should have access to quality healthcare. How can we achieve this?
- Advocating for policies that ensure access to affordable, high-quality healthcare for all.
- Community leaders should prioritize health initiatives
- Deploying community health workers to provide essential health services in underserved areas.
- Utilizing telemedicine to reach remote areas and improve access to healthcare services.
Promote preventive care:
While policy reforms and other government interventions are important, preventive measures are equally crucial for improving health outcomes and overall quality of life. Educating communities about the importance of preventive care is crucial. Examples of preventive care include:
- Regular check-ups and screenings can help detect and manage health issues early.
- Vaccines are another form of preventive health that can benefit everyone.
- Counseling on lifestyle adjustments to address risk factors.
Encourage healthy lifestyles:
Regular physical activity, a balanced diet, and stress management can significantly improve health outcomes for both Africans and African Americans and prevent chronic diseases. The government and communities play an important role in addressing lifestyle behaviors. Areas for their involvement include:
- Ensuring safe and accessible walking and cycling routes, parks, and recreational facilities.
- Ensure that gyms, swimming pools, and other recreational facilities are accessible to all.
- Integrating health education and physical activity into school curriculums.
- Organizing workshops, seminars, and public health campaigns that educate adults about healthy lifestyles.
- Work with the food industry to reduce unhealthy ingredients in processed foods.
Address mental health:
It’s high time we started treating mental health struggles with the same compassion, resources, and activism afforded to other health issues. How do we take action?
- Breaking the stigma surrounding mental health by fostering open conversations and providing culturally competent counseling services.
- Providing access to mental health resources and services.
- Supporting policies and laws promoting mental health.
Support maternal and newborn health:
Despite progress in providing essential care, the alarmingly high rates at which women, girls, and babies continue to die during pregnancy, childbirth, and the first month after birth demonstrate the urgent need for greater action. We can prevent these deaths by:
- Focusing on improving care for mothers and babies, as highlighted by this year’s World Health Day theme, “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures”.
- Supporting organizations addressing maternal health disparities, such as doulas and midwives in Black communities.
- Create environments that are supportive of women’s health and tailored to local needs and challenges.
- Providing the infrastructure needed to engage in healthier lifestyles and ensuring access to high-quality medical care for pregnant women and their babies.
Leverage technology and raise awareness:
Health awareness campaigns play a critical role in educating communities, improving public health, preventing diseases, and promoting wellness. We can use social media platforms, community events, and educational campaigns to spread the word about health disparities and solutions. We can also utilize telehealth services to expand access to care.
Ways to Improve Health and Overall Wellness
Beyond the efforts of governments, organizations, and communities to tackle health challenges for Africans and African Americans, individuals can also take personal steps towards better overall wellness. Here are some practical steps that individuals, families, and communities can adopt.
Let’s go back to our roots:
We all can draw inspiration from our ancestors who thrived on nutrient-rich diets consisting of whole grains, lean proteins, and fresh fruits and vegetables. It’s time to return to those roots by incorporating traditional African and African American foods into our diets. It’s time to say goodbye to fast food, processed foods, and sugary drinks and to start consuming nutrient-rich diets that prioritize health.
Movement is medicine:
Did you know that regular movement enhances cardiovascular health, strengthens muscles, and boosts mental well-being? Whether it’s African dance, walking, yoga, or hitting the gym, engage in consistent exercise, as not only does it strengthen our bodies, but it also uplifts our spirits.
Wellness through traditional healing practices:
You can utilize traditional healing practices, which are natural approaches to wellness. Healing traditions like herbal medicine, massage therapy, drumming, and spiritual cleansing can provide physical relaxation and healing. These practices can complement modern healthcare in meaningful ways.
World Health Day 2025 is a reminder that health is not just an individual responsibility but a shared mission. Beyond raising awareness, this day is a call to action, and every action counts. As Africans and African Americans, we can build healthier futures for generations to come by making informed choices, advocating for our well-being, and supporting each other. Your health is your wealth.
