As millions of tiny newborns fight for life each year, WHO is using the first official World Prematurity Day to champion lifesaving care that could dramatically improve their chances of survival. On its first officially recognized World Prematurity Day, WHO is urging nations to adopt low-cost interventions that can turn the tide on one of the world’s most urgent but overlooked health crises.
Global Burden of Prematurity
The global impact of prematurity is immense, marked by high mortality and serious long-term health challenges. Preterm birth complications remain the top cause of death among children under five, and survivors often face ongoing health issues.
In 2020, an estimated 13.4 million babies were born preterm, yet many deaths could be avoided with affordable, proven interventions. However, sharp inequalities persist between high-income and low- and middle-income countries. Beyond survival, the burden extends to developmental delays, cognitive difficulties, chronic health problems, and significant financial stress on families.
The major causes of infant mortality include complications from preterm birth, birth defects, and birth trauma (such as asphyxia), as well as serious infections like pneumonia and sepsis, and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Long-term health issues often arise from prematurity and low birth weight, leading to problems such as chronic lung disease and developmental delays. However, lasting complications may also result from specific congenital conditions or severe infections early in life.
Why WHO’s Involvement Matters
The World Health Organization (WHO) provides global health guidance related to prematurity and has recently elevated World Prematurity Day by officially incorporating it into its calendar of global health campaigns, effective from 2025.
While the day was initially launched in 2008 by the European Foundation for the Care of Newborn Infants (EFCNI) and other parent organizations, the World Health Assembly added it to the official WHO calendar in 2025.
The WHO uses the day to launch and promote evidence-based clinical guidelines and policies to improve the care of preterm infants. For instance, on the first official World Prematurity Day in 2025, the WHO launched a new global clinical practice guide for Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC), a cost-effective and life-saving intervention.
Key Announcements by WHO
The new WHO guide provides clear, step-by-step, and adaptable instructions for starting, sustaining, and monitoring Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC). It recommends that all preterm or low birth weight babies begin KMC immediately after birth—except when they cannot breathe independently or have dangerously low blood pressure or circulation that requires urgent medical care.
Although mothers are usually the main providers of KMC, fathers and other family members can also take part when the mother is unable, offering both emotional and practical support. KMC can be delivered across all types of health facilities—from labour rooms and operating theatres to postnatal wards and special or intensive newborn care units—and can continue at home.
The guide also offers practical advice on securing the baby in the KMC position using cloth wraps, elastic binders, or purpose-made garments. It highlights the need for supportive policies and staff training to create an environment where KMC can thrive. Ensuring families stay together—especially allowing mothers to remain with their babies at all times—is emphasized as essential for successful implementation.
Significance of the First Official World Prematurity Day
The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially designated World Prematurity Day, observed on November 15th (traditionally November 17th by many partners), to raise awareness and mobilize global action on the impact of preterm birth and the need for quality care for babies born too soon.
It brings global attention to a major public health issue: the persistently high rates of newborn deaths and the heightened dangers linked to preterm birth. Prematurity remains the leading cause of death among children under five worldwide.
Driving Global Action:
The day acts as a catalyst for governments, health agencies, non-profits, and communities to collaborate, exchange knowledge, and align efforts to improve outcomes for mothers and newborns. It promotes the adoption of proven strategies such as the Every Newborn Action Plan.
Encouraging Stronger Government Commitment:
A central goal is to push for greater political will and financial investment in maternal and newborn care. Key recommendations for countries include:
- Expanding special care services for small and ill newborns, including well-equipped neonatal units staffed with trained professionals.
- Enhancing maternal health services to prevent preterm births and identify complications early.
- Promoting equitable access to quality care so newborn survival does not depend on location or income.
As the world marks its first official World Prematurity Day, WHO’s message is clear: with simple, science-backed care, every tiny life deserves — and can have — a fighting chance.
WHO’s push for lifesaving newborn interventions signals a turning point. Governments and health systems must now act swiftly to ensure that every preterm baby receives the lifesaving care they need.
For more such informative articles stay tuned at The World Times.
