Theme: Give preterm babies a strong start for a hopeful future
15th of November is recognized as the World Prematurity Day in the WHO global health calendar, to be commemorated annually starting this year. This recognition by the Seventy-eighth World Health Assembly is a powerful affirmation that preterm birth is not only a medical challenge but also a public health, development, and equity priority.
Every year, one in ten babies is born prematurely worldwide. The WHO South-East Asia Region accounts for a much higher share of the burden of preterm babies with an estimated preterm birth rate of 13%. During the last decade, the region achieved the highest reduction in Newborn Mortality Rate (NMR) compared to the other WHO regions and the global reduction; however, 1500 newborns still continue to die every day in the region with 40% of these due to preterm birth complications. Additionally, preterm births are associated with high morbidity including respiratory and cardiac problems and long-term neurodevelopmental delay,
The SEA Regional Strategic Framework for Newborn and Child Health (2024–2030), outlines the vision for all newborns and children (including preterm babies) to survive, thrive and transform to attain their maximum potential for health and well-being, and develop into fully productive citizens for their countries, the region, and the world. The regional priorities, aimed at preventing and managing preterm births in a comprehensive manner, include:
Ensuring women’s access to high quality, respectful services for sexual, reproductive, and maternal health, as this is crucial to improving health outcomes including prevention, early detection of problems and care of preterm births. WHO SEARO is supporting Member States to improve preventive interventions, including the safe and effective use of antenatal corticosteroids (ACS) for women at risk of preterm birth.
Establishing and strengthening high quality care of small and sick newborns at health facilities at the national and sub-national level. India has been a pioneer in establishing district-level Special Newborn Care Units (SNCUs), with the Region facilitating replication of the model in SEAR countries (Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Timor Leste) and beyond. These efforts are supplemented by actions ensuring availability of functional equipment, skilled personnel, continuity of care after discharge, and data recording/utilization for further improving quality of services.
Supporting countries in scaling up Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC), an evidence-based practice which can reduce mortality among preterm and low-birth-weight infants by up to 40% while improving breastfeeding, bonding and development outcomes.
Partnering and empowering women, families and community to ensure respectful family-centered care of mother-newborn dyad and promote community engagement and accountability. This is crucial for upholding the rights of women, babies, parents and families and provide them with emotional, financial, and practical resources to care for their tiny babies.
The health of mothers and babies is the foundation of healthy families and communities, helping ensure hopeful futures for us all. It reminds us that a healthy beginning is not just a medical responsibility, but a promise of dignity, equity and human potential.
Today, on World Prematurity Day, we stand united for the tiniest and most vulnerable lives in South-East Asia. Let us work together - governments, health workers, communities, and families — to make South-East Asia a Region where every baby is born into care, not risk.