“Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures”: Thailand Marks World Health Day 2025 with Commitment to Strengthen Care for Preterm Infants

Nonthaburi, 22 April 2025 – The World Health Organization, in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Health, hosted a celebration to commemorate World Health Day 2025 under the theme “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Future for Preterm Infants in Thailand”. The event brought together policy makers, healthcare professionals and development partners committed to preventing preterm births in Thailand.

Dr. Jos Vandelaer, WHO Representative to Thailand, reiterated the global and national significance of preterm birth. “Preterm birth is the leading cause of death among children under five worldwide and is key to meeting SDG target 3.2.2 for newborn survival. In Thailand, the rate stands at 9.99%, with some provinces reporting much higher rates. These figures call for urgent, targeted evidence-based interventions that leave no one behind,” he said.

In his opening remarks, Minister Somsak emphasized the need to strengthen maternal and newborn care as Thailand enters a fully aged society. “Our country has a longstanding commitment to maternal and child health, underpinned by over five decades of comprehensive policies and services,” he said.

Minister Somsak underscored the importance of equitable access through Thailand’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC), highlighting the 2024 expansion of the “30 Baht Anywhere” policy. “Our UHC system now allows mothers to receive care at any facility nationwide.” he stated. “In this new era, every birth matters more than ever. We must ensure the next generation—though fewer in number—can thrive and contribute to Thailand’s future.”

Dr. Amporn Benjaponpitak, Director-General of the Department of Health, highlighted the vital role of healthcare professionals in early detection, education, and timely referrals. As part of Thailand’s commitment to maternal and child health, the Maternal and Infant Health Network Project—under the Royal Patronage of His Majesty King Rama X—has been instrumental in reducing preterm births and improving care, particularly in rural areas. With a goal to keep preterm rates below 8%, the project enhances healthcare networks, trains providers, and raises public awareness, contributing to a nationwide decline in maternal and infant mortality.

Ms. Kyungsun Kim, UNICEF Representative to Thailand, and Ms. Siriluck Chiengwong from UNFPA, also addressed the gathering, further underscoring strong interagency support for Preterm infants.

A panel discussion, “Promotion of Cooperation for Developing Care for Premature Infants in Thailand,” featured Preterm birth expert Dr. Chawamai Suebnukarn, Dr. Olivia Nieveras from WHO Thailand, and Ms. Jatuporn Aimpun, a mother and breast feeding advocate and driving force behind the Happy Breastfeeding Facebook page (with more than 1 million followers in Thailand). The discussion emphasized the future policies aimed at reducing and caring for preterm births, empowering mothers and families, and learning from experiences in countries with low preterm birth rates. 

Thailand has made notable progress in maternal and child health. The maternal mortality ratio declined from 48 per 100,000 live births in 2000 to 34.5 in 2023, and the infant mortality rate dropped from 30 to 6.47 per 1,000 live births between 2000 and 2024—well below regional averages and global targets.

Despite these achievements, preterm birth continues to present a major public health challenge. In 2023, preterm births accounted for 8–18% of all deliveries across various regions in Thailand. It remains a leading cause of neonatal mortality and long-term disability, placing significant emotional, social, and financial burdens on families and the healthcare system.

This event marked the official launch of WHO’s year-long World Health Day campaign in Thailand, running from 7 April 2025 to 7 April 2026, aimed to raise awareness and prevent preterm births.