Preterm births, defined as deliveries occurring before 37 completed weeks of pregnancy, have emerged as a significant concern in global health, overwhelmingly recognized as the leading cause of mortality among children under the age of five. Tragically, complications that arise from preterm births—such as respiratory difficulties, infections, and hypothermia—are common, impacting not only the immediate health of these infants but also potentially leading to long-term disabilities and chronic health issues.
In response to the mounting evidence regarding the seriousness of preterm births, a notable development has occurred: Member States have formally endorsed World Prematurity Day as an official global health campaign. This designation by the World Health Organization (WHO) promises to elevate awareness and mobilize collective action against this critical issue, an essential step for improving maternal and child health worldwide.
### WHO’s Vision for Action
Dr. Anshu Banerjee, Director of Maternal, Newborn, Child, and Adolescent Health and Ageing at the WHO, emphasized the pressing necessity of addressing this public health concern. He stated that recognizing World Prematurity Day serves as an important platform to educate communities, amplify awareness, and advocate for more robust interventions aimed at tackling child mortality stemming from preterm births. The initiative aims to draw attention to the required support—both practical and financial—that families affected by preterm births need.
In this light, the World Health Assembly (WHA) has laid out comprehensive strategies and interventions to mitigate the adverse outcomes associated with preterm births. These include expanding access to evidence-based best practices such as special newborn care units, offering dedicated support to families, and promoting kangaroo mother care (KMC). KMC—a practice that combines exclusive breastfeeding with skin-to-skin contact—has shown promising results in improving both short- and long-term outcomes for preterm and low birth weight infants.
### Strengthening Health Services
To effectively prevent preterm births, the WHA has highlighted the need for strengthening antenatal services, ensuring that women receive proper healthcare before and during pregnancy. This focus not only seeks to address immediate risks but aims to tackle underlying health issues among women. By investing in maternal health, we can foster a healthier environment for infants, ultimately reducing the incidence of preterm births.
In recent years, the WHO has released updated clinical guidelines aimed specifically at enhancing the care given to preterm and low birth weight infants. These guidelines are expected to usher in expanded support for KMC, alongside comprehensive newborn care packages tailored for small and sick babies. As nations globally adopt these recommendations, the hope is to see significant improvements in the health outcomes of preterm infants.
### A Collective Effort
For over a decade, World Prematurity Day has been championed through the advocacy of families, healthcare professionals, and civil society. The formal recognition of this day by the WHO is expected to galvanize renewed global attention and action, leading to tangible improvements in maternal and child health. By collaborating with communities, organizations, and governments, day-to-day practices can be transformed to significantly reduce the risks linked to preterm births.
This pivotal decision aligns with broader global strategies, such as the Global Strategy for Women’s, Children’s, and Adolescents’ Health (2016–2030) and the recent WHA Resolution set forth in 2023 aimed at accelerating progress in the areas of maternal, newborn, and child survival. In line with this, the theme for World Health Day in 2025, “Healthy beginnings, hopeful futures,” will resonate profoundly with the objectives of World Prematurity Day.
### Looking Ahead
World Prematurity Day will be officially recognized starting on November 17, 2025, under the auspices of the WHO and in collaboration with Member States and partners. This momentous occasion not only signifies a commitment to tackle the challenges of preterm births but also signifies the concerted effort needed to ensure that every child has a healthy start in life.
As we reflect on these developments, the importance of community support, informed healthcare practices, and educational initiatives cannot be overstated. Collective action on multiple fronts, including nurturing education, healthcare access, and preventive strategies, will play a crucial role in changing the narrative of preterm births globally.
In conclusion, the endorsement of World Prematurity Day by Member States is a significant milestone in the ongoing battle against child mortality due to preterm births. With an emphasis on improving health services for women and babies, advocates hope to cultivate a future where every child can thrive, reducing the devastating impact of preterm births. Through innovation, collaboration, and dedicated commitment, we can pave the way towards healthier beginnings and ultimately create a brighter, more hopeful future for all families.
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