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Every year, in countries rich and poor, more than one million babies die because they are born prematurely. Many of the tiny infants who survive suffer lifelong disabilities. In recent years, organizations focused on child health have been trying to raise awareness about the dangers of premature births and what can be done to prevent them. That's the purpose of World Prematurity Day today. It's also a day to educate mothers about how to care for babies who are born too soon. This tiny newborn is one of more than 15 million babies who start their lives with a major disadvantage...being born too soon. Preterm birth is the greatest killer of newborns around the world, yet most of these babies could be saved, according to Dr. Joy Lawn with Save the Children. "Most of those babies don't need intensive care," said Lawn. "They could be saved with 'kangaroo-mother' care.. tying the baby to the mother's front, being able to breast feed, better weight gain, better temperature control, avoiding infections." An international coalition observes World Prematurity Day on November 17. It's part of a global effort to reduce the number of premature births worldwide and to save the one of every ten newborns who are delivered prematurely. Christopher Howsen is an epidemiologist with the March of Dimes. "There's a lot that can be done with respect to prevention and the key for that begins in high-income countries," said Howsen. | 
