PAHO Urges Increased Support for Premature Babies on World Prematurity Day
Washington, D.C., November 17, 2025 (PAHO) – Marking World Prematurity Day, the pan American Health Institution (PAHO) is calling for intensified efforts to improve neonatal health and ensure every premature baby in the Americas has a chance to thrive. Approximately 1.2 million children – roughly 1 in 10 births – are born prematurely each year in the region, making prematurity a leading cause of neonatal death, illness, and disability.
premature birth (before 37 weeks of gestation) significantly increases a newborn’s risk of complications,including breathing difficulties,infections,poor growth,and long-term developmental delays. The challenges extend beyond clinical care, impacting families with financial strain, emotional stress, and difficulties accessing ongoing support. Society also bears a significant cost through healthcare, special education, and lost productivity.
This year’s theme, “Giving premature babies a strong start for a hopeful future,” aligns with a global call led by the World Health Organization (WHO) to guarantee universal access to quality newborn care. A recent resolution from the World Health Assembly emphasizes investing in proven interventions like early breastfeeding, kangaroo mother care, safe oxygen use, and access to quality-assured medicines.
PAHO Director Dr. Jarbas barbosa stressed the importance of addressing inequalities, stating, “Reducing prematurity and its consequences requires addressing the inequalities that affect mothers, newborns, and their families. Actions must focus on the most vulnerable populations, where we continue to see the highest neonatal mortality rates and the greatest challenges to accessing quality care.”
to promote equity, PAHO is strengthening health teams and communities through initiatives like the free eCBB mobile app, providing up-to-date newborn care facts for both healthcare professionals and families.
“Progress in reducing neonatal mortality in the region depends on strengthening care for premature and small newborns. Investing in human resources, service networks, and postnatal follow-up is essential to offer a truly healthy start and save thousands of lives each year,” said Suzanne Serruya, Chief of the Women’s, Neonatal, and Reproductive Health Unit at PAHO.
PAHO also collaborates with organizations representing families of premature babies,fostering dialog to identify needs and advocate for quality care from the beginning of life.
