In San Marino, 12 of the 113 babies born so far in 2026 arrived prematurely — a share close to the global figure reported by the World Health Organization, which estimates that roughly one in ten babies worldwide is born before 37 weeks of gestation.
The Pediatrics Department of the Social Security Institute (ISS) is marking World Prematurity Day on Sunday, 15 November, this year focusing in particular on post-discharge check-ups and support for families. To mark the occasion, the Three Towers will once again be lit up in purple.
Going home does not mark the end of the care journey. Babies born prematurely are scheduled for more frequent follow-up visits, with close attention paid to growth, feeding, and motor and communicative development.
Monitoring covers both babies born at the State Hospital and those cared for at referral neonatal units. For the latter, clinical information is shared with the ISS neonatologist ahead of discharge to ensure continuity of care.
“Parents’ observations, since they see their child every day, are an integral part of this assessment,” explains Nicola Ranieri, head of ISS Pediatrics.
Families are also supported by the Preventive and Social Pediatrics clinic, operating since 2022, which combines developmental check-ups with guidance for parents.
Secretary of State for Health Massimo Andrea Ugolini stressed the commitment to coordinated care between community services and specialist centres. ISS Director General Claudio Vagnini, meanwhile, highlighted the importance of listening to families and providing them with clear guidance as they navigate concerns and uncertainty.
