Geneva — GAVI commemorates World Prematurity Day and the fight against preventable child deaths

Preterm birth is the world's largest killer of newborn babies, causing more than 1 million deaths each year. 75% of those deaths could be saved with proven, cost-effective measures.

On World Prematurity Day November 17th, countries in nearly every part of the world will draw public attention to the problem of preterm birth and the simple care that can save many of these babies.

"We know what it takes to address the challenge of prematurity and we are committed to bringing partners together behind proven, affordable solutions," UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon

This year's World Prematurity Day plays a critical role in sustaining the momentum built by the launch of the Born Too Soon report in May 2012. To mark the publication of the report, more than 30 organizations made new or enhanced commitments in support of the Every Woman Every Child effort launched by the United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon.