Preterm birth remains a leading cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality worldwide, with an estimated 15 million babies born prematurely each year, of which nearly 500,000 are in Europe (Blencowe et al., 2012). Despite advances in neonatal intensive care, mortality and long-term neurodevelopmental impairments remain disproportionately high among preterm infants. Evidence-based, low-cost interventions such as Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) have been shown to significantly improve outcomes for both infants and families.

KMC, defined by continuous skin-to-skin contact, exclusive breastfeeding whenever possible, and early hospital discharge with adequate follow-up, has demonstrated reductions in neonatal mortality by up to 40% in stable infants weighing less than 2000 grams (Conde-Agudelo & Díaz-Rossello, 2016).Additionally, KMC improves thermoregulation, reduces severe infections, shortens hospital stays, and increases breastfeeding rates (Boundy et al., 2016). Beyond survival, KMC supports long-term neurodevelopment, strengthens parental involvement, and decreases maternal stress and depression, thereby addressing the holistic needs of the premature family (Charpak et al., 2017).

This presentation will review the scientific evidence supporting KMC as a European standard of care, examine current implementation across healthcare systems, and highlight strategies for overcoming barriers. The Romanian experience will serve as a case study, illustrating the role of parent advocacy, professional education, and policy alignment in bridging the gap between evidence and practice.

KMC represents not only a survival strategy but also a transformative model of care that promotes resilience, bonding, and improved long-term outcomes for preterm infants and their families.

Diana Gamulescu is the Founder and President of the Preemies Association from Romania, a leading NGO dedicated to improving the care of premature infants and supporting their families. She is an active contributor to the European Standards of Care for Newborn Health, coordinated by EFCNI, where she represents the parent perspective in shaping evidence-based neonatal practices.

Her advocacy has focused on advancing the implementation of Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) in Romanian neonatal units, bridging the gap between international guidelines and national realities. Through collaborations with neonatologists, nurses, and policymakers, she has promoted family-centered care, with particular emphasis on KMC as a scientifically validated intervention that improves survival, reduces complications, and enhances neurodevelopmental outcomes.