Zambia observed World Prematurity Day on November 17, joining global efforts to raise awareness about premature births. Health Minister Dr. Elijah Muchima, represented by Lusaka Provincial Health Director Dr. Simulyamana Choonga, emphasized this year’s theme, “Give Preterm Babies a Strong Start for a Brighter Future,” which aligns with the World Health Organization’s 2025 World Health Day message: “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures.” The theme calls for urgent measures to improve the health of preterm babies before birth, during delivery, and immediately after birth.
Dr. Muchima noted that Prematurity Awareness Month offers an opportunity to recommit to ensuring that every baby, regardless of size or gestational age, receives the care, support, and attention necessary to survive and thrive. Despite progress in reducing child mortality, prematurity remains the leading cause of death among newborns in Zambia, accounting for 20 percent of all under-5 deaths.
The Health Minister highlighted the importance of investing in newborn care as a critical strategy to further reduce child mortality. He pointed out that the National Health Strategic Plan (2022–2026) prioritizes maternal, newborn, and child health as essential to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 3, which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote wellbeing for all.
In line with these efforts, Dr. Muchima officially launched the Kangaroo Mother Care Guidelines. These guidelines are designed to strengthen the skills of healthcare workers and caregivers in providing care to preterm infants.
Dr. Muchima also announced that, with support from UNICEF, the Ministry of Health received a shipment of essential newborn and critical care equipment. The supplies will be distributed to University Teaching Hospital Women and Newborn Hospital, Mongu District Hospital, Petauke District Hospital, and Kapiri Mposhi District Hospital. The equipment includes phototherapy irradiance meters, CPAP machines with compressors and oxygen concentrators, pulse oximeters with neonatal sensors, infusion pumps, baby cots, and essential spare parts and consumables.
According to Dr. Muchima, this investment will improve neonatal care readiness, ensure timely management of complications, and enhance the ability of healthcare facilities in the four districts to deliver high-quality newborn care.