WHO Launches Lifesaving Intervention for Premature and Small Babies on World Prematurity Day
The World Health Organization (WHO) is marking its inaugural World Prematurity Day with the release of a comprehensive global clinical practice guide for Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC). This simple yet powerful intervention significantly enhances the survival rates of preterm and low birth weight babies.
Each year, approximately 15 million babies are born prematurely (before 37 weeks of pregnancy), and preterm birth complications are the primary cause of death among children under five. In the most impoverished regions, many extremely premature babies succumb within days, while in high-income countries, almost all survive.
KMC, a technique combining prolonged skin-to-skin contact and breast milk feeding, has demonstrated remarkable outcomes for small and premature newborns. It is both feasible and cost-effective in all settings. KMC is associated with a more than 30% reduction in newborn deaths, a nearly 70% reduction in hypothermia, a 15% reduction in severe infections, improved weight gain, and enhanced long-term health and cognitive development.
Dr. Jeremy Farrar, WHO's Assistant Director-General for Health Promotion, Disease Prevention, and Care, emphasizes, "KMC is a transformative clinical intervention that empowers mothers and families. It should be a universal practice for all small and preterm babies, ensuring their best chance at survival and well-being."
A Lifesaving Intervention for All Premature and Small Babies
The new WHO guide, designed for health workers, facility managers, and caregivers, provides detailed, adaptable step-by-step instructions for initiating, maintaining, and monitoring KMC. It recommends that all preterm or low birth weight newborns receive KMC immediately after birth, unless they require urgent treatment for respiratory issues or dangerously low blood pressure.
While mothers are typically the primary caregivers, fathers and other family members can also provide KMC if the mother is unavailable. KMC can be practiced in various health facility settings, from labor rooms to special care units, and can be continued at home. The guide offers practical tips on securing the baby in the KMC position using cloth wraps, elastic binders, or specialized garments.
Creating Enabling Environments for KMC
The guide also emphasizes the importance of supportive policies and staff training in health facilities to create enabling environments for KMC. Family-friendly approaches are crucial, ensuring mothers can stay with their babies in the same room. This includes providing dedicated medical care and attention for all small and sick newborns, ensuring access to essential equipment and medicines like antibiotics.
Addressing the Needs of Premature Babies
On this World Prematurity Day, with the theme 'A strong start for a hopeful future,' WHO urges governments, health systems, and partners to prioritize quality care for preterm and low birth weight babies. This involves establishing dedicated wards or facilities with specially trained neonatal staff providing round-the-clock care and ensuring universal access to essential medical supplies.
Premature babies often face challenges due to underdeveloped lungs, brains, immune systems, and temperature regulation. This increases the risk of infections, hypothermia, heart problems, respiratory distress, and other life-threatening complications. Dr. Per Ashorn, WHO's Unit Head for Newborn and Child Health and Development, states, "No newborn should die from preventable causes. It's time to ensure every baby receives the attention they need by investing in special care for small or sick babies and quality maternity services to prevent preterm birth."
WHO Media Team
World Health Organization
