A new report released Wednesday says 152 million premature babies were born between 2010 and 2020, with an estimated 13.4 million babies born preterm in 2020 and nearly one million dying from preterm complications.

The report released by United Nations agencies and partners said the figure is equivalent to around one in 10 babies born early (before 37 weeks of pregnancy) worldwide.

‘Born too soon: Decade of action on preterm birth’, produced by the

World Health Organisation (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund

(UNICEF) together with PMNCH, the world’s largest alliance for women, children, and adolescents, sounded the alarm on a ‘silent emergency’ of preterm birth, long under-recognised in its scale and severity, noting that this is “impeding progress in improving children’s health and survival.”

The report contained updated estimates from WHO and UNICEF, prepared with the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, on the prevalence of preterm births.

It said overall, it found that preterm birth rates have not

changed in any region in the world in the past decade, with 152

million vulnerable babies born too soon from 2010 to 2020.

“Preterm birth is now the leading cause of child deaths, accounting

for more than one in 5 of all deaths of children occurring before their

fifth birthday. Preterm survivors can face lifelong health consequences, with an increased likelihood of disability and developmental delays,’’ it said.

According to the report, too often, where babies are born determines

if they survive.

The report noted that only 1 in 10 extremely preterm babies (less than 28

weeks) survive in low-income countries, compared to more than nine in 10

in high-income countries.

“Gaping inequalities related to race, ethnicity, income, and access

to quality care determine the likelihood of preterm birth, death, and

disability, even in high-income countries,’’ it said.

The report said Southern Asia and sub-Saharan Africa have the

highest rates of preterm birth and preterm babies in these regions

face the highest mortality risk.

It noted that together, these two regions account for more than 65 per

cent of preterm births globally. The report also highlighted the impacts of conflict, climate change and environmental damage, COVID-19, and rising living costs are increasing risks for women and babies everywhere.

“For example, air pollution is estimated to contribute to six million

preterm births each year. Nearly one in 10 preterm babies are born in the 10 most fragile countries affected by humanitarian crises, according to a new analysis in the report,’’ it said.

The report said WHO, UNICEF, UNFPA and PMNCH called for increased investments: mobilising international and domestic resources to optimise maternal and newborn health, ensuring high-quality care is provided when and where needed.

(NAN)