Worldwide, more than 1 in 10 babies are born prematurely each year, resulting in an estimated 15 million preterm births per year. Premature birth is the leading cause of death in children under the age of five, these infants have a high risk of malnutrition, poor growth and poor health outcomes. Nutrition and maintenance of gut health are key challenging aspects to support their healthy growth. The COVID-19 pandemic restrictions have affected provision and quality of neonatal care, a zero separation policy of parents and infants to avoid unnecessary suffering of the youngest and most vulnerable members of society is being called to ensure close contact between infants and their parents, as the separation puts these vulnerable infants at additional risk of death and long-term complications.

World Prematurity Day is celebrated on the 17th  November each year to raise awareness of preterm birth worldwide and to help address and discuss the main concerns of parents and caregivers. NNI is proud to support and celebrate this event by bringing you this exclusive webinar highlighting the critical importance of neonatal care during this vulnerable period of life.