A new journal supplement, “Born Too Soon: progress, priorities and pivots for preterm birth,” led by PMNCH, was published in BMC Reproductive Health last month. The supplement adapts and expands the content from the 2023 WHO report “Born Too Soon: A Decade of Action on Preterm Birth.”
Globally, a baby is born preterm every two seconds, and a preterm newborn dies every 40 seconds, making preterm birth the leading cause of under-five deaths.
Authors highlight the progress made in the last decade, outline the need for improved data to enhance programs, and emphasize the necessity for comprehensive, high-quality, and respectful sexual, reproductive, and maternal health services. They call for investments in small and sick newborn care to ensure equitable access, particularly in conflict areas and among marginalized populations. For the first time, this supplement also focuses on human rights law and global health processes and their role in upholding the rights of women, babies, parents, families, and healthcare providers.