WHO declares November 17 as Global Prematurity Day
What you need to know:
- The decision, which will take effect from November 2025, underscores an urgent international commitment to addressing the high burden of preterm births currently the leading cause of death among children under the age of five.
Geneva. In a landmark development poised to elevate global efforts in maternal and child health, the World Health Assembly has formally designated November 17 as World Prematurity Day, establishing it as an annual observance under the World Health Organization (WHO) calendar.
The decision, which will take effect from November 2025, underscores an urgent international commitment to addressing the high burden of preterm births currently the leading cause of death among children under the age of five.
The endorsement forms part of wider discussions surrounding the Global Strategy for Women’s, Children’s and Adolescents’ Health (2016–2030), which seeks to improve survival and wellbeing outcomes globally.
The resolution calls on member states and stakeholders to intensify efforts in reducing deaths and disabilities associated with complications of preterm birth including respiratory distress, infections, and hypothermia by scaling up access to timely and quality healthcare for affected newborns.
“This new resolution highlights the need to step up prevention and expand lifesaving healthcare for all babies,” said WHO Director-General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, in a statement supporting the initiative.
World Prematurity Day will now serve as a global platform for raising awareness, mobilising resources, and championing high-impact interventions such as antenatal care, the establishment of special newborn care units, promotion of kangaroo mother care, and comprehensive family-centred support systems.
Tanzanian advocate leads global push
Among those at the forefront of the campaign for global recognition is Tanzania’s own Doris Mollel, a former beauty queen turned health advocate and founder of the Doris Mollel Foundation.
Having been born prematurely herself, Ms Mollel has been the driving force behind the campaign since 2021, passionately advocating for its inclusion in the WHO’s official calendar of health observances.
Speaking after the WHO endorsement, Ms Mollel described the milestone as both a personal and national triumph.
“This is truly a huge milestone for Tanzania and the global movement for premature babies,” she said.
“As a locally led organisation, it wasn’t easy pushing an idea that initially lacked national traction. But I thank the Tanzanian government and President Samia Suluhu Hassan for their commitment to improving neonatal care.”
She detailed the advocacy journey, which began with a letter addressed to Dr Tedros in 2022 and culminated in high-level engagements with WHO’s Maternal and Child Health Department in 2024.
Backed by member states including Brazil, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, Tanzania led the charge in tabling the motion.
Ms Mollel extended special appreciation to the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Tanzanian Embassy in Geneva, describing the effort as a “marathon of international advocacy.”
“It is a proud moment for us and a personal victory. I only wish the late Dr Faustine were alive to witness this day he played a pivotal role in guiding our journey,” she said.
“But I trust that Prof Mohammed Janabi, WHO Regional Director for Africa, will carry forward this noble mission.”
Doris Mollel shakes hands with WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus during their meeting in 2024. PHOTO | COURTESY
A new chapter in global health advocacy
With the formal recognition of World Prematurity Day, governments around the world are now expected to prioritise investment in maternal and newborn healthcare, aligning their efforts with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those aimed at reducing preventable child deaths.
The annual observance is envisaged as a rallying point for policymakers, healthcare professionals, advocates, and families, to collectively champion the rights and wellbeing of babies born too soon or too small.
“This is just the beginning,” Ms Mollel affirmed.
“Together, we are building a future where every child has a fighting chance, and every life matters.”
As November 17 assumes its place on the global health calendar, it will stand not merely as a date of commemoration but as a clarion call for action ensuring that even the most vulnerable newborns are not left behind.
