In a major step to improve the survival of millions of newborns worldwide, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has officially marked its first World Prematurity Day by launching a comprehensive global clinical practice guide on Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC)—a simple yet powerful intervention proven to save the lives of premature and low birth weight babies.

Every year, 15 million babies are born prematurely, before 37 weeks of pregnancy. Complications linked to preterm birth remain the leading cause of death among children under five, with stark inequalities between countries: while nearly all extremely preterm babies survive in high-income nations, those in the poorest countries often die within days due to lack of adequate care.

KMC, which combines prolonged skin-to-skin contact and breast-milk feeding, has repeatedly shown dramatic benefits. Studies link it to more than a 30% reduction in newborn deaths, a 70% decrease in hypothermia, and a 15% drop in severe infections. Beyond survival, the method also supports better weight gain, emotional bonding, and long-term cognitive development. 

“KMC is not just a clinical intervention – it empowers mothers and families and transforms newborn care,” said Dr Jeremy Farrar, WHO’s Assistant Director-General for Health Promotion, Disease Prevention and Care. “It should now be universal clinical practice for all small and preterm babies, ensuring they have the best chance to survive and thrive.”

The newly released WHO guide serves as a detailed manual for doctors, nurses, facility managers, and caregivers. It emphasizes that all preterm or low birth weight babies should receive KMC immediately after birth, except when they are unable to breathe independently or require urgent medical stabilization.

While mothers are the primary providers of KMC, WHO highlights that fathers and other family members can play an important role—especially when the mother needs support or rest.

The guide explains how KMC can be carried out across all levels of healthcare—from labour rooms and postnatal wards to intensive care units—and continued at home. It includes practical recommendations on securing the baby in the KMC position using cloth wraps, binders, or specialized garments. It also stresses the importance of family-friendly policies, such as ensuring mothers can stay in the same room as their infants.

This year’s World Prematurity Day theme, “A strong start for a hopeful future,” underlines the urgent need to prioritise care for the world’s smallest and most vulnerable newborns.

WHO is urging governments and healthcare systems to invest in dedicated neonatal units, trained staff, and essential equipment and medicines. Preterm babies, who often have underdeveloped lungs, brains, and immune systems, are at high risk of infections, respiratory distress, hypothermia, heart problems, and other life-threatening conditions.

“No newborn should die from preventable causes,” said Dr Per Ashorn, WHO’s Unit Head for Newborn and Child Health and Development. “It’s time to ensure every baby gets the attention they need, by investing in special care for small or sick babies, alongside quality maternity services that can prevent many occurrences of preterm birth.”

With this new global guide and a renewed international focus, WHO aims to help countries close survival gaps, empower families, and ensure that every baby—no matter where they are born—has a fighting chance at a healthy future.