A strong start in life goes beyond mere survival. It’s about recognizing the immense potential within each newborn and nurturing it. It’s about ensuring that every baby not only lives, but flourishes – and grows into someone who can help shape a better world, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).

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A baby born after a successful Intra-Uterine Transfusion (IUT), the first of its kind at University Teaching Hospital of Kigali (CHUK) is now 2.5 months old and in good health, officials announced on Friday, November 14. The procedure, carried out at 33 weeks of pregnancy, was performed on a mother with a history of pregnancy losses caused by Rhesus negative sensitization, a condition where the mother’s immune system attacks the fetus’s red blood cells.

Around one in 10 babies worldwide is preterm – born before 37 weeks of pregnancy, the UN health agency noted in a statement, on November 15, emphasising that without effective care, they are at high risk of life-threatening health conditions like respiratory distress, infections, and hypothermia, which together lead to hundreds of thousands of preventable deaths each year. Prematurity is the leading cause of preventable child deaths, with the vast majority (at least 80%) happening in low and middle-income countries.

"Together, governments, health systems, communities, families, and individuals share the responsibility to protect these tiny babies ensuring they have the best start in life and receive the highest quality of special care and support,” WHO stated. As noted, the theme of this year’s World Prematurity Day also resonates with this year's Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures campaign by WHO for World Health Day.

"This reminds us that every child deserves an equal opportunity to thrive – starting from their very first breath.”

World Prematurity Day is usually observed on November 17 each year to raise awareness of preterm birth and the concerns of preterm babies and their families worldwide. Approximately 15 million babies are born preterm each year, accounting for about one in 10 of all babies born worldwide.

First launched in 2008 by the European Foundation for the Care of Newborn Infants (now the Global Foundation for the Care of Newborn Infants or GFCNI) and many parent organizations, World Prematurity Day has become a global movement.

In 2025, the World Health Assembly officially added World Prematurity Day to WHO’s international health calendar, recognizing its pivotal importance for improving child survival and well-being.

While the Day was traditionally marked annually on November 17, in order to dedicate a unique day on which to focus on this priority issue without overlapping with other mandated World Days, WHO has designated November 15 as World Prematurity Day. The main aim of the Day is to raise awareness of the impact of preterm birth and advocate for quality care for every baby who is born too soon.

The World Health Organisation’s call to action requires countries to: invest in special care for small and sick newborns, including neonatal units, specially trained staff, dedicated space and life-saving equipment; strengthen maternal health services to prevent preterm birth and detect health problems early; support families with emotional, financial, and practical resources to care for their tiny babies; and, ensure equity so that survival doesn’t depend on geography or income, but grants every baby – from their tiniest beginnings –the best chance at a brilliant future.

According to WHO, preterm babies need special care and attention from the first moments after birth. It is noted that preterm babies often have underdeveloped lungs, brains, immune systems, and temperature regulation, making them especially vulnerable to life-threatening complications.

Very preterm babies need round the clock inpatient care from trained neonatal practitioners, with the days after birth critical to ensure survival.

Effective interventions are feasible and cost-effective in all settings, including: skin to skin contact (Kangaroo mother care), respiratory support, early breastfeeding, infection prevention, and family-centred care.

Kangaroo mother care – being held skin to skin by a caregiver – a critical part of care for all small and preterm babies, including if they are in intensive care, prevents hypothermia and promotes bonding.

Respiratory support: non-invasive ventilation saves lives, enabling healthy breathing without the need for mechanical ventilators that carry risks.

Early breastfeeding boosts immunity and supports healthy growth and development. Clean environments and access to antibiotics, if needed, are critical to reduce risks from life-threatening infections, and keeping parents close and involving them at every step improves outcomes and reduces stress for both infants and caregivers.