At the 78th World Health Assembly (WHA), Member States unanimously endorsed World Prematurity Day as an official global health campaign. This milestone underscores the urgent need to invest in preventing preterm births and expanding access to lifesaving care for babies born early or with low birth weight.
Preterm birth—defined as delivery before 37 completed weeks of pregnancy—is the leading cause of death among children under five. Complications such as respiratory difficulties, infections, and hypothermia are common, while survivors often face long-term disabilities and health challenges.
The WHA resolution calls on countries to scale up proven interventions including special newborn care units, family support services, and kangaroo mother care (KMC)—a combination of exclusive breastfeeding and skin-to-skin contact. Preventive measures such as strengthened antenatal care and improved maternal health are also emphasized.
“Recognizing preterm birth as a critical driver of child mortality, WHO welcomes the formal inclusion of World Prematurity Day in its official calendar,” said Dr. Anshu Banerjee, Director of Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health and Ageing. “This will amplify global efforts to raise awareness, mobilize resources, and advocate for practical support for affected families.”
WHO has recently updated clinical guidelines for the care of preterm and low birthweight infants, with new guidance on expanding kangaroo mother care expected later this year. The organization also supports countries in delivering comprehensive newborn care packages targeting the smallest and sickest babies.
Observed for over a decade through advocacy by families, civil society, and health professionals, World Prematurity Day’s formal WHO recognition is set to strengthen global attention and action on this critical maternal and child health issue.
This decision aligns with the Global Strategy for Women’s, Children’s and Adolescents’ Health (2016–2030) and the 2023 WHA resolution to accelerate maternal, newborn, and child survival. The campaign will officially launch on November 17, 2025, coinciding with the 2025 World Health Day theme: “Healthy beginnings, hopeful futures.”