Each year, more than 1 in 10 of the world’s babies are born preterm, resulting in 15 million babies born too soon. Since 2012 there have been increased awareness of the problem, through new data and evidence, global partnership and country champions. Actions to improve care would save hundreds of thousands of babies born too soon from death and disability. Accelerated prevention requires urgent research breakthroughs.

World Prematurity Day is November 17 and aims to raise global awareness about prematurity. This paper assesses prematurity changes over the last year by adapted a socio-political assessment framework applied to maternal health and newborn survival.