This editorial serves as a powerful call to action from leaders of major United Nations agencies, emphasizing the urgent need to address preterm birth as a critical global health challenge. The piece reflects on the impact of the original 2012 Born Too Soon report, which ignited a movement that led to accelerated action for maternal and newborn health, including targets in the Sustainable Development Goals and linked action plans.
The editorial acknowledges both progress and persistent challenges over the past decade. While there have been advances in evidence, tools, guidance, and inspiring innovations, preterm birth rates remain concerning with approximately one million preterm babies dying each year. The authors emphasize that this represents a failure in primary prevention – interventions directed at all women during pregnancy to ensure healthy pregnancies and early risk detection. Complications from preterm birth continue to be the leading cause of death among newborns during the period when child mortality is highest.
The leaders highlight how progress has been undermined by various global crises including conflicts, climate change, the COVID-19 pandemic, and economic downturns. They stress the fundamental principle that where a baby is born or their family’s economic status should not determine survival chances, yet this remains the reality for many mothers and babies, especially those born too soon.
The editorial concludes with a commitment from UN agency leaders and the largest global alliance for women’s, children’s, and adolescents’ health to accelerate progress through cross-sector collaboration, improved quality of care, financial protection, and most importantly, strong national leadership and community mobilization. They emphasize that while the ingredients for sustained progress exist and many countries have demonstrated success, urgent action is needed for the next generation.
