Globally, more than 1 in 10 babies are born too early every year. Approximately 1 million children die each year due to complications of preterm birth, and many of those who survive face a lifetime of disability. These numbers have not changed in the past decade: prematurity remains the leading cause of death in children under the age of 5 years, with stark inequalities in survival rates around the world. In low- income settings, half of the babies born at or below 32 weeks die, while they almost all survive in high-income countries. Most of these deaths and disabilities are preventable with feasible, effective interventions.

This webinar, organized by WHO with the support of Every Woman Every Newborn Everywhere (EWENE, previously ENAP EPMM) brings together a range of EWENE partners to galvanize action to reduce and manage preterm births. Speakers will share the most up-to-date evidence informing upcoming new guidance for the care of small and sick newborns, as well as country experiences on addressing the challenges to prevent and manage preterm births, and care for small and sick newborns.