Thailand Marks World Health Day 2025 With National Campaign to Strengthen Care for Preterm Infants
Government and international partners launch year-long initiative to address preterm births and support newborn health
The Ministry of Public Health and the World Health Organization marked World Health Day 2025 in Nonthaburi with a campaign focused on improving care for preterm infants.
The event gathered policymakers, healthcare professionals, and development partners under the theme 'Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures.'
Dr. Jos Vandelaer, WHO Representative to Thailand, emphasized the urgency of addressing preterm births, which are the leading cause of death among children under five.
Thailand’s preterm birth rate currently stands at 9.99 percent, with some provinces reporting higher rates.
Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsuthin highlighted Thailand’s longstanding commitment to maternal and child health and the role of Universal Health Coverage in ensuring equitable access to services.
He noted the 2024 expansion of the '30 Baht Anywhere' policy, allowing mothers to seek care at any facility nationwide.
Dr. Amporn Benjaponpitak, Director-General of the Department of Health, outlined the achievements of the Maternal and Infant Health Network Project under the Royal Patronage of His Majesty King Rama X, which aims to keep preterm birth rates below eight percent by enhancing healthcare networks and provider training.
Representatives from UNICEF and UNFPA reaffirmed their support for efforts to improve care for preterm infants.
A panel discussion featuring Dr. Chawamai Suebnukarn, Dr. Olivia Nieveras, and breastfeeding advocate Jatuporn Aimpun explored strategies to strengthen policies, empower families, and learn from international best practices.
Thailand’s maternal mortality ratio has decreased from 48 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2000 to 34.5 in 2023. The infant mortality rate fell from 30 to 6.47 deaths per 1,000 live births over the same period.
However, preterm births remain a major public health concern, accounting for 8 to 18 percent of deliveries across different regions.
The event launched a year-long World Health Day campaign in Thailand, running from April 2025 to April 2026, aimed at raising awareness and preventing preterm births nationwide.
The event gathered policymakers, healthcare professionals, and development partners under the theme 'Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures.'
Dr. Jos Vandelaer, WHO Representative to Thailand, emphasized the urgency of addressing preterm births, which are the leading cause of death among children under five.
Thailand’s preterm birth rate currently stands at 9.99 percent, with some provinces reporting higher rates.
Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsuthin highlighted Thailand’s longstanding commitment to maternal and child health and the role of Universal Health Coverage in ensuring equitable access to services.
He noted the 2024 expansion of the '30 Baht Anywhere' policy, allowing mothers to seek care at any facility nationwide.
Dr. Amporn Benjaponpitak, Director-General of the Department of Health, outlined the achievements of the Maternal and Infant Health Network Project under the Royal Patronage of His Majesty King Rama X, which aims to keep preterm birth rates below eight percent by enhancing healthcare networks and provider training.
Representatives from UNICEF and UNFPA reaffirmed their support for efforts to improve care for preterm infants.
A panel discussion featuring Dr. Chawamai Suebnukarn, Dr. Olivia Nieveras, and breastfeeding advocate Jatuporn Aimpun explored strategies to strengthen policies, empower families, and learn from international best practices.
Thailand’s maternal mortality ratio has decreased from 48 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2000 to 34.5 in 2023. The infant mortality rate fell from 30 to 6.47 deaths per 1,000 live births over the same period.
However, preterm births remain a major public health concern, accounting for 8 to 18 percent of deliveries across different regions.
The event launched a year-long World Health Day campaign in Thailand, running from April 2025 to April 2026, aimed at raising awareness and preventing preterm births nationwide.
