WHO Launches Global Guide to Expand Life-Saving Kangaroo Mother care for Premature Babies
A new clinical practice guide from the World Health Association aims to make Kangaroo Mother Care – a simple, effective method of improving outcomes for preterm and low birth weight infants – universally accessible.
The World Health Organization (WHO) is marking the first official observance of World Prematurity Day by launching a new global clinical practice guide for Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC),a proven intervention dramatically improving survival rates for babies born too soon or with low birth weight. Approximately 15 million babies are born prematurely each year – before 37 weeks of pregnancy – and complications from preterm birth are the leading cause of death among children under the age of five.
The disparity in survival rates is stark. In the worldS poorest nations, the vast majority of extremely preterm babies perish within days of birth. Conversely, nearly all survive in high-income countries. This inequity underscores the urgent need for scalable, cost-effective solutions like KMC.
What is Kangaroo Mother Care?
KMC involves prolonged skin-to-skin contact between a mother and her baby, combined with frequent breastfeeding. This method has been shown to be remarkably effective in improving outcomes for small and preterm newborns, and is feasible in any healthcare setting. According to the WHO,KMC is associated with a more than 30% reduction in newborn deaths,a nearly 70% reduction in hypothermia,and a 15% reduction in severe infections. Beyond immediate survival,KMC promotes improved weight gain and enhanced long-term cognitive development.
“KMC is not just a clinical intervention – it empowers mothers and families and transforms newborn care,” a senior WHO official stated. “It should now be worldwide clinical practice for all small and preterm babies, ensuring they have the best chance to survive and thrive.”
New WHO Guide Provides Step-by-Step Instructions
The newly released guide is designed for health workers, facility managers, and caregivers, offering detailed, adaptable instructions for initiating, maintaining, and monitoring KMC. The guide recommends that all preterm or low birth weight newborns receive KMC immediately after birth, provided they are stable and able to breathe independently.
While mothers are typically the primary providers of KMC, fathers and other family members can also participate, offering crucial emotional and practical support.The practice can be implemented across all levels of healthcare facilities – from delivery rooms and operating theaters to postnatal wards and specialized neonatal units – and can continue at home. The guide provides practical advice on securing the baby in the KMC position using cloth wraps, elastic binders, or specialized garments. It also emphasizes the importance of creating supportive environments within healthcare facilities through policy changes and staff training. Family-amiable policies,such as allowing mothers to remain with their babies at all times,are also highlighted as crucial for successful implementation.
A Call for Prioritized Investment in Newborn Care
This world Prematurity Day, themed ‘A strong start for a hopeful future,’ the WHO is urging governments, health systems, and partners to prioritize quality care for preterm and low birth weight babies. This includes establishing dedicated neonatal wards staffed by specially trained personnel,and ensuring universal access to essential equipment and medications,such as antibiotics.
Preterm babies face unique challenges due to their underdeveloped organs – including lungs, brains, and immune systems – and their limited capacity for temperature regulation. Thes vulnerabilities increase their risk of infections, hypothermia, heart problems, and respiratory distress.
“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.”
The WHO’s commitment to expanding KMC represents a meaningful step toward reducing preventable newborn deaths and ensuring a brighter future for vulnerable infants worldwide.
