Diala Romani, MD
Pediatrics and Neonatology, American University of Beirut Medical Center
Head, Division of Newborn Services – Keserwan Medical Center

Every year on November 17, the world celebrates World Prematurity Day; a day dedicated to the smallest and strongest among us: premature babies.

A baby is considered premature when born before completing 37 weeks of pregnancy (8 months 3 weeks), affects approximately 1 in 10 babies worldwide. It remains a leading cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality, yet with advances in neonatal care, survival rates have significantly improved, even for babies born at the edge of viability. These babies often need special care because their organs are still growing and learning to function outside the womb. Each extra day they spend in the womb or later in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) makes a big difference.

At KMC, we meet premature babies every day, and they never fail to amaze us. Each small heartbeat, each breath supported by gentle ventilation, and each gram gained represents a triumph of science, teamwork, and love. But caring for these tiny patients goes beyond medical technology it’s about compassionate, a team effort from doctors, nurses, respiratory therapist, family- centered care that recognizes parents as essential partners in their baby’s journey, especially through simple but powerful acts like skin-to-skin contact, also known as kangaroo care. This helps regulate the baby’s temperature, strengthens their heart and breathing, and builds a beautiful bond of love and trust. Some weigh less than a loaf of bread at birth, yet they fight with a strength far beyond their size. Every tiny breath, every heartbeat, and every small weight gain is a victory worth celebrating.

Thanks to medical progress and compassionate care, more premature babies than ever before are growing up healthy and strong. But we must continue raising awareness about the challenges of prematurity, and the importance of early prenatal care, maternal health, and delivery in well-equipped hospitals.

World Prematurity Day also reminds us that every small act, early prenatal care, infection prevention, maternal education, and timely delivery in equipped centers can make a life-saving difference. Collaboration among healthcare professionals, policymakers, and the community is key to reducing the global burden of prematurity

This year’s theme, “Small actions, big impact,” reminds us that even the simplest gestures comforting a worried parent, supporting breastfeeding, or washing our hands before touching a baby  can save lives.

At KMC, we are proud to stand with families of premature infants and to celebrate their courage. On World Prematurity Day, we honor the babies who fought bravely, the families who never gave up, and the healthcare teams who care for them with dedication and heart.

Together, we can give every baby no matter how small the best possible start in life.