News & Activities

Born Too Soon – Decade of Action to Reduce Preterm Birth



Join us for a Special Lecture: Born Too Soon – Decade of Action to Reduce Preterm Birth

Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from Prof. Bo Jacobsson, a global leader in maternal and neonatal health and co-editor of the landmark WHO report Born Too Soon (2023).

Date and Time: 20 May 2025 | 12:00–13:00 (Bangkok Time)

Hybrid Format: Join onsite at Chulalongkorn University or online via Zoom

Limited seats! Free lunch boxes for onsite participants – first come, first served!

Register now and be part of the global call to action to improve outcomes for preterm babies.

Background: Why “Born Too Soon” Matters

Preterm birth—defined as birth before 37 completed weeks of gestation—is the leading cause of death among children under 5 years of age worldwide. Every year, an estimated 13.4 million babies are born too soon, and nearly 1 million die due to complications. Many survivors face lifelong disabilities, impacting families, health systems, and society.

Despite growing attention, global progress in preventing preterm birth has stalled, with stark inequalities between countries. In high-income countries, 9 out of 10 extremely preterm babies survive; in low-income countries, it is only 1 in 10.

In 2023, WHO, UNICEF, UNFPA, and PMNCH released the report Born Too Soon: Decade of Action on Preterm Birth, a landmark report taking stock of the last decade and outlining a bold, integrated agenda for the future.

About the Report

  • Co-edited by Prof. Bo Jacobsson
  • Synthesizes global data, best practices, and lived experiences
  • Calls for action across health systems, policy, and community
  • Emphasizes equity, respectful care, and investment in small and sick newborns
  • Connects preterm birth to broader issues: climate change, gender equity, and universal health coverage


This lecture provides a rare opportunity to engage with one of the lead editors of the report and explore how we can all be part of the decade of action to ensure that every baby born too soon can survive and thrive.

Contact: jiayu.l@chula.ac.th