Discover how you can support WHO’s lifesaving care for preterm babies on World Prematurity Day

DCM Editorial Summary: This story has been independently rewritten and summarised for DCM readers to highlight key developments relevant to the region. Original reporting by WHO, click this post to read the original article.

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The World Health Organization (WHO) is observing its first official World Prematurity Day by launching a new global guide for Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC)—a simple, effective way to help preterm and low birth weight babies survive. Each year, about 15 million babies are born too early, and complications from prematurity are the top cause of death among children under five. In low-income nations, many of these babies don’t survive the first few days, while those in high-income countries often do. KMC, which involves skin-to-skin contact combined with breastfeeding, has been shown to reduce newborn deaths by over 30%, lower rates of hypothermia by nearly 70%, and cut severe infections by 15%.

You can use KMC in a wide range of settings, from labor rooms to neonatal intensive care units and even at home. The new WHO guide walks you through starting and maintaining KMC, providing practical advice on how to hold the baby securely and what materials to use, like cloth wraps or elastic binders. It also emphasizes the role of all family members, pointing out that fathers and relatives can step in when mothers can’t, offering both care and emotional support.

To make KMC work, your healthcare facility needs the right environment—supportive policies, trained staff, and spaces that let mothers stay close to their babies around the clock. The WHO guide also highlights the importance of making your care approach family-friendly through inclusive support and proper education for caregivers.

This World Prematurity Day, WHO urges you and your healthcare system to focus on quality care for small and sick newborns. This includes access to medication, specialized neonatal staff, and the right equipment to care for babies with underdeveloped organs who face higher risks of serious health issues. By ensuring these vulnerable babies receive the attention and treatment they need, you can help give them a healthier future.