Preterm Birth

The most recent global estimates suggest more than 1 in 10 babies born in 2010 were preterm, making an estimated 15 million preterm births (11% of global annual birth), of which more than 1 million died as a result of their prematurity. Preterm birth and its complications attribute to 35% of globally estimated 3.1 million neonatal deaths. Recent estimates identified preterm birth and related complication as the single most important cause of neonatal death as well as the second leading cause of under-5 mortality. Additionally, the effect of preterm birth among some survivors may continue throughout life, by impaired neuro-developmental function, learning and visual disorders and affecting long-term physical health. The economic burden of this public health issue is also another critical aspect to consider. A recent estimate shows that the economic value of health system resources, time and wages of family members altogether exceeds US$51,000 per preterm birth per year.It is important to understand the risk factors and care seeking behavior as well as mortality risks for preterm born babies which is critical for designing & testing cost-effective, focused public health intervention.