Lesotho marks World Prematurity Day with a call to strengthen newborn care

Mohale’s Hoek, 17 November 2025 – The Ministry of Health, with support from UNICEF Lesotho, joined the global community today in commemorating World Prematurity Day. This day raises awareness about the challenges faced by babies born too soon and emphasizes the need for stronger maternal and newborn care. The event was held under the theme “Give preterm babies a strong start for a hopeful future.”

Prematurity remains one of the leading causes of newborn deaths globally and in Lesotho. With timely and high-quality care, most premature babies can survive and thrive. The commemoration provides an important opportunity for government, partners, and communities to reflect on progress and reaffirm commitments to improve services for mothers and newborns.

Speaking at the event, UNICEF Deputy Representative a.i. Ngozi Kennedy reaffirmed UNICEF’s commitment to supporting the Government of Lesotho in reducing preventable newborn deaths and improving the wellbeing of preterm babies.

“Every child deserves the chance not just to survive but to thrive,” said Deputy Representative a.i. Ngozi Kennedy. “Investing in preterm babies strengthens families, builds healthier communities, and contributes to a more prosperous future for our nation.”

UNICEF continues to work with the Ministry of Health to improve newborn care through several key interventions. These include supporting the development and adoption of the Small and Sick Newborn Care Standards, which guide health facilities in providing high-quality care; capacity building for health workers, including the establishment of simulation training centres that help nurses, midwives, and doctors strengthen the skills needed to save newborn lives; and the provision of essential newborn care equipment, including Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machines and phototherapy units, to stabilize fragile babies and manage complications linked to prematurity.

As Lesotho marks World Prematurity Day, UNICEF and the Ministry of Health call on all partners to renew their commitment to ensuring that every preterm baby receives a strong start in life. A strong start is not just about survival – it is about honoring the promise of every tiny life and giving these babies the chance to grow, thrive, and one day transform the world.

“No child should lose their life to conditions that can be prevented or treated,” said Dr. Kennedy. “UNICEF remains ready to support the Government of Lesotho in ensuring that every baby survives, grows, and contributes to a healthier and brighter future for the country.