The Silent Emergency: Urgent Action Needed to Address Preterm Birth Crisis
Immediate action is needed to address the silent emergency of preterm birth, as persistent rates and regional disparities threaten millions of babies worldwide, calling for increased investments, policy implementation, and support for affected families.”
Preterm birth, a global crisis affecting millions of babies and their families, remains a silent emergency. According to a recent report by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), an estimated 13.4 million babies were born prematurely in 2020, with nearly 1 million dying from preterm complications. These alarming statistics demand immediate attention and concerted efforts to prevent preterm births and improve the care provided to affected infants and their families.
Persistent Preterm Birth Rates
The report reveals a concerning fact: preterm birth rates have not changed over the past decade in any region of the world. From 2010 to 2020, a staggering 152 million babies were born prematurely. Preterm birth has become the leading cause of child deaths, accounting for more than 1 in 5 of all deaths among children under the age of five.
Preterm survivors often face lifelong health consequences, including disabilities and developmental delays.
Inequality and Regional Disparities
The impact of preterm birth is exacerbated by glaring inequalities. The chances of survival for extremely preterm babies, born before 28 weeks, are drastically lower in low-income countries compared to high-income countries. Southern Asia and sub-Saharan Africa have the highest rates of preterm birth, with these regions accounting for over 65% of global preterm births. The report also highlights how factors such as conflict, climate change, and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic further increase risks for women and babies worldwide.
The Call for Urgent Action
Recognizing the gravity of the situation, global health organizations are calling for immediate action to address the preterm birth crisis. The key areas of focus include increased investments in maternal and newborn health, accelerated implementation of national policies, integration across sectors to address social determinants of health, and support for locally led innovation and research. Prof. Joy Lawn, co-lead of the Born too soon initiative, emphasizes the need for urgent action and greater investment in the care of vulnerable newborns to prevent millions of families from experiencing heartbreak.
Of every 10 babies born, 1 is preterm – and every 40 seconds, 1 of those babies dies
The past decade has seen a rise in community activism surrounding preterm birth and stillbirth prevention. Parent-led networks, health professionals, civil society, and academia have been advocating for better care, policy changes, and support for affected families. The story of Gabriela and Jerome Foster, founders of Jalen’s Gift Foundation,, exemplifies the determination of parents who have experienced the loss of a preterm baby and are working to provide support and comfort to other families facing similar challenges.
The crisis of preterm birth demands immediate attention and coordinated efforts at a global scale. The report’s findings underscore the urgent need for increased investments, implementation of effective policies, integration across sectors, and support for innovation and research. By addressing the causes of preterm birth, improving care for affected infants, and supporting their families, we can pave the way for healthier individuals and societies. The time to act is now, as the well-being and future of our next generation.
While there is the urgent need for action to address the preterm birth crisis, critics like Dr. Ana Langer, in an article titled “Preterm birth: time for a broader approach,” highlighted the need to address social determinants of health, such as poverty, education, and gender inequality, which contribute to the high rates of preterm births. Dr. Langer emphasizes the importance of comprehensive interventions that go beyond medical care to create sustainable solutions and reduce preterm births worldwide.argue that focusing solely on prevention and care may not be enough to tackle the complex factors contributing to preterm births. A comprehensive approach should also prioritize addressing socio-economic inequalities, improving access to quality healthcare for pregnant women, and addressing systemic issues such as gender disparities and inadequate support systems for families. This broader perspective is necessary to create lasting change and reduce the prevalence of preterm births on a global scale.
