Valencia, April 8, 2025 — Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures is the title of the collaborative story launched this year by BBMRI-ERIC as part of World Health Day 2025, an initiative led by the World Health Organization (WHO). This year’s theme focuses on equity in care and research for mothers and babies, under the motto: “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures.”
We are proud to share that our MAMI (Maternal Microbiome) project has been featured in this story as an example of the maternal microbiome’s impact on the health of both mother and newborn. The laboratory’s work is included as part of global efforts to understand how environmental, nutritional, and microbial factors influence the first 1,000 days of life and, consequently, long-term health.
The Power of Maternal Microbes
During breastfeeding, it is essential to consider whether breast milk contains toxins or is affected by environmental or nutritional factors that could impact the newborn. At the same time, early microbial colonization—facilitated by breast milk—plays a key role in the development of the infant microbiome, with implications for future health.
In the Spanish MAMI cohort, we characterize which maternal microbes are transferred to the baby during the first 1,000 days. This cohort, supported by the IBSP-CV Biobank, also examines how gestational age, type of delivery, diet, or antibiotic exposure influence this early microbial colonization. This knowledge is essential for designing future personalized nutrition strategies, microbiome-based interventions, and preventive approaches for maternal and child well-being.
An International Collaboration for Global Health
This recognition reflects the MAMI project team’s commitment to scientific excellence and its contribution to BBMRI-ERIC’s mission: to advance biomedical research through high-value biological and human resources.
📖 You can read the full story here:
Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures – BBMRI-ERIC & WHO World Health Day 2025
