Washington, October 05: Premature births have become a concerning global problem, with nearly 13 million cases, nearly 10% of all newborns, and more than one million deaths reported each year.
Babies are born prematurely when delivered less than 37 weeks of the normal 40-week pregnancy, according to a report by the March of Dimes, a leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health.
The report shows over four-fifths of all premi-births are reported in developing countries in Africa and Asia, with 4,047,000 pre-term births in Africa and 6,907,000 in Asia.
“The number of premature births globally is of grave concern and is exacting a huge toll emotionally, physically and financially on families, medical systems and economies,” said Dr. Jennifer L. Howse, president of the March of Dimes.
Malnutrition and poor health care are said to be the main causes of premature birth. According to the US group, America has also seen a sharp rise in pre-term births over the past 25 years.
“In the United States alone, the annual cost of caring for preterm babies and their associated health problems tops $26 billion annually,” Lowse added.
—–Agencies