Overview:
Premature birth is a very serious health problem and a leading cause of death among children younger than five years worldwide. Premature babies may have more health problems than babies born on time and may experience long-term health problems that affect the brain, lungs, hearing, or vision. World Prematurity Day is observed on 17 November each year to raise awareness of the challenges and burden of preterm birth globally.
Objectives:
- Raising awareness about premature birth and premature babies.
- Raising awareness about the importance of following-up pregnancy to avoid premature birth.
- Maintaining ideal weight during pregnancy.
- Educating pregnant women about keeping their blood glucose and blood pressure levels under control.
Facts:
- Every year, an estimated 15 million babies are born prematurely (before 37 weeks of gestation).
- Complications of premature birth are the leading cause of death among children under the age of five, responsible for nearly 1 million deaths in 2015 (1).
- Three-quarters of these deaths could be prevented with current cost-effective interventions.
- In all countries, the preterm birth rate ranges from 5% to 18% of babies born.
Official Date:
Globally: November 17th, 2023
Locally: Jumada al-Alwwal 3rd, 1445H