In a shocking revelation, a joint report released by UN agencies and partners has highlighted a concerning global health issue: approximately 13.4 million babies were born prematurely in 2020. Tragically, almost one million of these infants lost their lives due to complications arising from preterm birth.
This alarming data translates to a staggering 1 in 10 babies born before completing 37 weeks of pregnancy worldwide. Health experts have attributed this concerning trend to poor maternal health and malnutrition, emphasising the urgent need for comprehensive interventions.
The World Health Organization (WHO), the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine have collectively sounded the alarm, emphasising the imperative to enhance both preterm baby care and prevention efforts. They underscored the crucial role of maternal health and nutrition in preventing premature births, thereby enhancing childhood survival rates.
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The report also shed light on the long-term implications for preterm babies who manage to survive their early days. These infants face significantly higher risks of major illnesses, disabilities, developmental delays, and even chronic conditions such as diabetes and heart diseases in adulthood.
The findings emphasise the pressing need for global initiatives to improve maternal health and nutrition, ensuring a healthier start for both mothers and their babies. Addressing these challenges promptly is vital to not only reduce the alarming preterm birth rates but also to secure a healthier and more promising future for the world's children.