World Prematurity Day

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a premature baby is one born before 37 weeks of pregnancy.

An estimate 15 million babies are born prematurely each year worldwide, and prematurity is considered the leading cause of death among children under five.

To raise awareness of the challenges posed by this problem, and inform people about its risks and consequences, World Prematurity Day is celebrated every November 17.

The 2023 edition was celebrated under the theme: “Small actions BIG IMPACT: Immediate skin-to-skin care for every baby everywhere”.

This was an opportunity to highlight and recall the benefits of immediate, continuous, and prolonged skin-to-skin contact between mother and baby after birth, and of Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC).

Skin-to-skin contact has proven to be extremely beneficial, helping to:

- Reduce neonatal mortality rates

- Reduce sepsis

- Encourages breast-feeding

- Strengthen family ties

An effective method that can save the lives of many babies.

#WorldPrematurityDay