World Prematurity Day 2025

Hanoi, 14 November 2025 – The Ministry of Health, with support from Kimberly-Clark and UNICEF, hosted a special event today to accelerate action and raise awareness about the challenges faced by babies born too soon, while honouring their strength and the resilience of their families.

As the world prepares to mark World Prematurity Day on 17 November, the spotlight turns to more than 13.4 million babies born prematurely each year and the obstacles they face^[1]. This year’s theme, “Give preterm babies a strong start for a brighter future!”, underscores the urgent need for quality, loving, and timely care from the very first days of life

Preterm birth remains the leading cause of death among children under five, and babies who survive often face lifelong health challenges, including developmental delays and disabilities. In Viet Nam alone, an estimated 14,000 newborn deaths ocurred in 2024^[2], with one in four linked to prematurity^[3].

World Prematurity Day is not just about awareness—it is a call for hope and equity in child health care, ensuring every baby has the chance to grow, thrive, and reach their full potential.  Together with partners, UNICEF Viet Nam is engaging families, communities, health professionals, and policymakers in a global dialogue to make this vision a reality.

“Viet Nam has made notable progress in neonatal care, and UNICEF will continue to support the Ministry of Health to expand access to life-saving interventions—because it’s not just a right to every child, it’s a smart investment in healthier, stronger societies" said Silvia Danailov, UNICEF Representative to Viet Nam.

Key objectives for World Prematurity Day 2025

• Prioritize preterm birth globally: Integrate prevention and care into national health agendas, in alignment with WHO’s recognition of World Prematurity Day.
• Ensure equitable access to care: Strengthen health systems to provide early interventions, family-centered support, and equal access to essential services for preterm babies and their families.
• Invest in stronger societies: Promote investment in the health and well-being of preterm babies as both a moral responsibility and a foundation for healthier, more resilient societies.

Since its inception in 2008, this day has grown into a global initiative, with hundreds of events, online campaigns, and local activities in more than 100 countries. To date, a global network of individuals and organizations work together to prevent preterm birth and improve health care for premature babies. Landmarks around the world will light up purple, the official colour of the day, to show solidarity with premature babies and their families.

Starting in 2025, 15 November has been designated the official date for World Prematurity Day to avoid overlap with other global observances. The Ministry of Health of Viet Nam has institutionalized the day as part of its routine tasks, ensuring nationwide implementation.

1. Preterm birth - WHO
2. Levels and trends in child mortality - UNICEF data
3. Administration of Maternal and Children’s Affairs, Ministry of Heath report