1 in 10 babies born prematurely worldwide, impacting their health, survival: UN study
1 in 10 babies born prematurely worldwide, impacting their health, survival: UN study La Prensa Latina
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Study Reveals Alarming Rates of Preterm Births Worldwide
Geneva, Oct 6 (EFE).- An estimated 13.4 million babies, accounting for one in 10 births worldwide, are born prematurely every year before completing 37 weeks of pregnancy, a problem heavily impacting their health and survival chance, a new study by the United Nations said on Friday.
Introduction
In 2020, an estimated 13.4 million babies were born prematurely, with nearly one million of them dying from preterm birth complications, said the study, carried out by experts from the World Health Organization (WHO), the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine based on data collected between 2010 and 2020.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aim to address global challenges and improve the well-being of all individuals. One of the key areas of focus is maternal and child health, with a specific target to reduce premature births and improve survival rates.
Key Findings
Impact on Health and Survival
“Since prematurity is the leading cause of death in children’s early years, there is an urgent need to strengthen both care for preterm babies as well as prevention efforts – particularly maternal health and nutrition – so as to improve childhood survival,” the report underlined.
Leading Causes of Preterm Births
The study identifies poor maternal health and malnutrition, adolescent pregnancy, infections, and pre-eclampsia as the leading causes for high preterm birth rates worldwide.
Long-term Consequences
It underlined that the children who survive the preterm birth have a significantly higher likelihood of suffering major illnesses, disability and developmental delays, and even chronic diseases as adults like diabetes and heart conditions.
Special Care and Attention
“Preterm babies are especially vulnerable to life-threatening health complications, and they need special care and attention,” said Anshu Banerjee, director of maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health and ageing at WHO.
Global Trends
Lack of Progress
The report revealed that no region of the world has significantly reduced rates of preterm births over the past decade, and the annual global rate of reduction in premature births between 2010 and 2020 was just 0.14 percent.
Regional Disparities
As per the report, around 65 percent of preterm births in 2020 occurred in sub-Saharan Africa and southern Asia, where over 13 percent of all babies were born prematurely.
Country-specific Rates
According to the study, the premature birth rates in the worst-affected countries – Bangladesh (16.2%), Malawi (14.5%), and Pakistan (14.3%) – are three or four times higher than those in the least affected countries – Serbia (3.8%), Moldova (4%), and Kazakhstan (4.7%).
Global Concern
The experts pointed out that the preterm birth is not solely a concern in low and middle-income countries, but high premature birth rates are also observed in some high-income countries, including Greece (11.6%) and the United States (10%). EFE
Conclusion
The study highlights the urgent need to address the issue of preterm births globally. By focusing on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly maternal health and nutrition, we can work towards reducing preterm birth rates and improving the survival and long-term health outcomes of these vulnerable babies.
Sources:
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF)
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
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SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | 3.2: By 2030, end preventable deaths of newborns and children under 5 years of age | – Number of preterm births – Number of deaths due to preterm birth complications |
| SDG 2: Zero Hunger | 2.2: By 2030, end all forms of malnutrition, including achieving, by 2025, the internationally agreed targets on stunting and wasting in children under 5 years of age | – Number of preterm births due to maternal malnutrition |
| SDG 5: Gender Equality | 5.6: Ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights as agreed in accordance with the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development and the Beijing Platform for Action and the outcome documents of their review conferences | – Number of preterm births due to adolescent pregnancy |
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
The issues highlighted in the article are connected to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), and SDG 5 (Gender Equality).
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
Based on the article’s content, the specific targets that can be identified are:
- SDG 3.2: By 2030, end preventable deaths of newborns and children under 5 years of age
- SDG 2.2: By 2030, end all forms of malnutrition, including achieving, by 2025, the internationally agreed targets on stunting and wasting in children under 5 years of age
- SDG 5.6: Ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights as agreed in accordance with the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development and the Beijing Platform for Action and the outcome documents of their review conferences
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
Yes, there are indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:
- Number of preterm births
- Number of deaths due to preterm birth complications
- Number of preterm births due to maternal malnutrition
- Number of preterm births due to adolescent pregnancy
The article mentions that an estimated 13.4 million babies are born prematurely every year, with nearly one million of them dying from preterm birth complications. These numbers can be used as indicators to measure progress towards SDG 3.2.
The article also highlights poor maternal health and malnutrition as leading causes for high preterm birth rates. The number of preterm births due to maternal malnutrition can be used as an indicator to measure progress towards SDG 2.2.
Additionally, the article mentions adolescent pregnancy as a leading cause for high preterm birth rates. The number of preterm births due to adolescent pregnancy can be used as an indicator to measure progress towards SDG 5.6.
4. SDGs, Targets and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | 3.2: By 2030, end preventable deaths of newborns and children under 5 years of age | – Number of preterm births – Number of deaths due to preterm birth complications |
| SDG 2: Zero Hunger | 2.2: By 2030, end all forms of malnutrition, including achieving, by 2025, the internationally agreed targets on stunting and wasting in children under 5 years of age | – Number of preterm births due to maternal malnutrition |
| SDG 5: Gender Equality | 5.6: Ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights as agreed in accordance with the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development and the Beijing Platform for Action and the outcome documents of their review conferences | – Number of preterm births due to adolescent pregnancy |
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Source: laprensalatina.com
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