Every year on World Prematurity Day, we are reminded of the millions of families whose lives are touched by preterm birth. Being born too soon—defined as before 37 weeks of gestation—continues to be one of the leading causes of neonatal death worldwide, particularly in low-resource settings. Yet, with coordinated clinical care, strong family support, and innovative health strategies, we can significantly improve survival and long-term wellbeing for these vulnerable infants.



As a clinician and health systems researcher, my work in chronic disease and population health often intersects with maternal and child health. The realities of prematurity highlight a broader truth: health outcomes are shaped not only by medicine, but by the systems and environments surrounding the patient.

Understanding the Burden of Prematurity

Globally, an estimated 15 million babies are born prematurely each year. Many face complications such as respiratory distress, feeding difficulty, infections, and long-term developmental challenges. But these outcomes are not inevitable. Countries that have invested in evidence-based neonatal care—such as timely steroid administration, kangaroo mother care (KMC), early breastfeeding, and improved infection prevention—have seen dramatic improvements in survival.

In lower-income regions, including parts of Africa, preventable deaths still occur due to limited neonatal equipment, inconsistent access to trained staff, and delayed recognition of complications. A system-level approach is essential.

The Power of Simple, Evidence-Based Care

One of the most powerful tools for premature infants is the widely endorsed practice of Kangaroo Mother Care, which promotes skin-to-skin contact between mother and baby. This simple technique has been shown to:

• regulate temperature
• stabilise breathing
• reduce infections
• support early bonding
• improve long-term neurodevelopment

Scaling up such interventions across hospitals and community health centres can save thousands of lives each year.

Strengthening Health Systems for Better Outcomes

Prematurity is not just a neonatal challenge—it is a systems challenge. Strengthening referral networks, improving antenatal screening, ensuring access to emergency obstetric care, and training multidisciplinary neonatal teams are all crucial steps.

Digital health also offers new pathways. Remote monitoring, tele-neonatology, and mobile-based maternal education empower caregivers and clinicians alike. As precision medicine expands, we can better identify women at risk of preterm birth and intervene earlier.

Supporting Families Beyond the Hospital

Families with premature babies often face emotional, financial, and social strain. Providing counselling, caregiver training, and follow-up developmental clinics ensures continuity of care long after hospital discharge. Communities, churches, and workplaces also play a key role in reducing stigma and offering social support.

A Call to Collective Action

On this World Prematurity Day, let us commit to a future where no child’s survival depends on their geographical location or socioeconomic environment. With continued research, strategic investment, and strengthened health systems, we can dramatically improve outcomes for preterm infants and their families.

Every premature baby deserves a fighting chance—and together, we can make that a reality.