World Prematurity Day is an international day to raise awareness for babies who are born too soon. This year with partners around the world we highlighted Kangaroo Mother Care. Preterm birth continues to be the leading contributor to under-5 deaths globally, being responsible for almost half of all under-5 deaths in 2021. Immediate initiation of Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) has shown to significantly decrease newborn mortality. Skin-to-skin contact’s benefits includes improved thermal regulation, infection prevention, improved breast feeding, positive facilitation of physiological, behavioral, psychosocial, and neurodevelopment, and a reduced risk of neonatal mortality.

Read on to see each of the NEST360 countries participation.

Kenya

In Kenya, during the national celebrations of World Prematurity Day, the Cabinet Secretary of Health in the Ministry of Health launched the comprehensive newborn care protocols. The process of development of these protocols was supported by NEST360 Kenya.

Malawi

A Malawian father, pictured left, demonstrates caring for a newborn through skin-to-skin contact, also known as Kanagroo Mother Care,as he supports his newborn on World Prematurity Day. Malawi healthcare workers and NEST360, pictured right, celebrated their commitment to quality health care for small and sick newborns by wearing purple.

Nigeria

Nigeria celebrated World Prematurity Day by highlighting the importance of skin-to-skin contact and Kangaroo Mother Care from the moment of birth for small and sick newborns.

Tanzania

NEST360 Tanazania celebrate World Prematurity Day 2022 with the backing of the MOH Head of Newborn and Child Health, Dr. Felix Bundala.