On November 17, 2017, World Prematurity Day global partners and parent organizations worldwide mark the seventh annual World Prematurity Day.
An estimated 15 million babies are born preterm every year - more than 1 in 10 babies around the world (WHO).
Premature babies are among the most vulnerable and are entitled to the same quality, equity and dignity as every individual. The Quality of Care Network calls for increased attention to be given not only to access of healthcare, but also to ensuring quality and respectful care, equitably.
The Quality of Care Network promotes respectful maternity care for the mother baby pair, both by health providers and at home, and including extra emotional and physical support. The lack of respectful maternity care is a major deterrent to the use of skilled care for pregnancy and childbirth.
Read more from WHO on the care for preterm and low-birth-weight newborn
See also USAID slide show on ‘Quality of Care for the Smallest’.
To mark World Prematurity Day, access a range of resources here.
