World Prematurity Day 2019! Born Too Soon: Providing the right care, at the right time, in the right place

World Prematurity Day  is celebrated internationally on November 17th. Every year, 15 million babies are born prematurely – more than one in ten of all babies around the world. World Prematurity Day is a key moment to focus global attention on the leading cause of child deaths under age 5 – complications from preterm birth – which account for nearly 1 million deaths each year (UNICEF). World Prematurity Day is an opportunity to call attention to the heavy burden of death and disability and the pain and suffering that preterm birth causes. 

2019 Theme

Born Too Soon: Providing the right care at the right time, in the right place.

Sub theme and key message

The three sub-themes are:

• Ensure High Quality Care for Every Baby Everywhere;
• Nurturing Care for the Best Start in Life, and
• Empower Women and Adolescent Girls to Deciding for their Health. 

Facts

• >1 million deaths per year from Preterm Birth – the leading cause of under-5 child death worldwide
• We could prevent 86% of newborn deaths due to prematurity if known solutions reached
• 140 million birth per year – 2.5 million neonatal death annually.
• 47% of all under-five child deaths happen during the first 28 days of life.
• The most vulnerable babies are those in marginalized groups, rural areas, urban slum environments and humanitarian settings.
• Midwife-led continuity of care reduces preterm birth by 24%. 

More Information: healthynewbornnetwork.org