World Prematurity Day, observed on November 17 and recently recognized by the World Health Assembly, highlights the urgent need to give premature babies a strong start for a promising future. In Angola, despite notable progress, neonatal, infant, and maternal mortality rates remain above global averages. Between 2015/16 and 2023/24, neonatal deaths decreased from 24 to 16 per 1,000 live births, infant deaths from 44 to 32, and maternal deaths from 239 to 170 per 100,000 births. While these improvements are significant, achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030 remains a challenge.
Neonatal mortality constitutes the majority of infant deaths, particularly within the first 28 days of life. Prematurity—birth before 37 weeks of gestation—is a major contributing factor, historically accounting for about 25% of under-five deaths. Current figures may be underestimated because half of all births still occur outside health facilities, limiting proper registration. Prematurity poses a silent emergency worldwide, with one in ten babies born prematurely facing severe risks such as respiratory complications, infections, hypothermia, and developmental delays. Survival rates starkly differ between low- and high-income countries, with only 10% of extremely premature babies surviving in low-resource settings compared to 90% in wealthier nations.
The World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF emphasize investing in high-impact, low-cost interventions to reduce premature deaths. Key strategies include strengthening maternal health services to prevent preterm births and detect conditions like hypertension and infections, providing specialized care for small and sick newborns through neonatal units and kangaroo mother care, supporting families with emotional and practical resources, and promoting equity so that survival does not depend on geography or income.
In Angola, implementing these solutions is critical. Expanding the use of kangaroo mother care can save thousands of lives, though establishing neonatal intensive care units remains challenging. Training health professionals in quality antenatal care and regularly monitoring pregnant women to identify treatable conditions that lead to premature birth, such as infections or high blood pressure, are essential steps. Ensuring access to basic materials and equipment, alongside community awareness on prenatal care, is necessary to improve outcomes. Continuous professional development for doctors and nurses in obstetrics, neonatology, and paediatrics is crucial, supported by adequate infrastructure and resources.
Premature birth should not be seen as a death sentence. Every child deserves the opportunity not only to survive but also to thrive. Addressing prematurity in Angola requires strong political commitment, sufficient resources, and active community engagement. Families, civil society, policymakers, and the private sector must work together to make prematurity a national priority and secure a healthier future for the country’s children.
