What is Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC)?

Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) is an important method to improve the survival of premature infants, involving skin-to-skin contact between the mother and the preterm baby.

How common are preterm births globally?

According to the WHO, over 15 million babies are born prematurely each year, a figure that is not expected to have changed significantly in 2025.

What are the main health risks associated with preterm births?

Prematurity increases the likelihood of respiratory distress syndrome, cerebral palsy, and developmental abnormalities, as well as the risk of acquiring chronic diseases later in life.

Home / Health / Premature Infants Face Heightened Risks: Experts Urge Vigilance on World Prematurity Day

Premature Infants Face Heightened Risks: Experts Urge Vigilance on World Prematurity Day

17 Nov, 2025

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Summary

Premature infants more likely to have breathing, temperature, and feeding issues
Kangaroo Mother Care essential to improve survival of preterm infants
Preterm births affect 10% of newborns globally, leading cause of infant mortality

Premature Infants Face Heightened Risks: Experts Urge Vigilance on World Prematurity Day

As the world observes World Prematurity Day on November 17, 2025, healthcare experts are sounding the alarm on the heightened risks faced by premature infants. According to Prof Anju Agarwal, head of the obstetrics and gynaecology department at Queen Mary's Hospital, premature babies are more likely to experience issues with breathing, maintaining body temperature, and feeding.