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Africa: Better Use of Resources Key to Focusing on Care for Preterm and Newborn Babies
allAfrica, 17 May 2023
Every 2 seconds, a baby is born too soon. Every 40 seconds, one of those babies dies, according to a report released by United Nations agencies and partners titled Born Too Soon:… Read more »
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Africa: The Groundbreaking Solution to Stop More Women Dying of Postpartum Haemorrhage
allAfrica, 12 May 2023
Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) affects about 14 million women each year and claims the lives of around 70 000 women annually - mostly in low and middle-income countries - the… Read more »
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Africa: 152 Million Babies Born Preterm in the Last Decade
WHO, 10 May 2023
Of every 10 babies born, 1 is preterm - and every 40 seconds, 1 of those babies dies Preterm birth rates have not changed in the past decade in any region of the world The impacts… Read more »
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Africa: 'Silent Emergency' - Premature Births Claim a Million Lives Yearly
UN News, 9 May 2023
A "silent emergency" that is claiming one million tiny lives born premature each year requires concerted action to swiftly improve children's health and survival, according to a… Read more »
A Million Babies Born Too Soon Die Every Year
A "silent emergency" claiming one million babies born prematurely each year requires concerted action to swiftly improve children's health and survival, according to a new report released by UN agencies and partners.
An estimated 13.4 million babies were born premature in 2020, with nearly a million dying from pre-term complications, according to Born too soon: Decade of action on preterm birth.
Preterm birth is now the leading cause of child deaths, accounting for more than 1 in 5 of all deaths of children occurring before their 5th birthday. Preterm survivors can face lifelong health consequences, with an increased likelihood of disability and developmental delays.
Maternal health risks, such as adolescent pregnancy and pre-eclampsia, are closely linked to preterm births. This underlines the need to ensure access to sexual and reproductive health services, including effective family planning, with high-quality care in pregnancy and around the time of birth.
The past decade has also seen a growth of community activism on preterm birth and stillbirth prevention, driven by networks of parents, health professionals, academia, civil society, and others. Throughout the world, groups for affected families of preterm birth have been at the forefront of advocating for access to better care and policy change and supporting other families.
Documents
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10 May 2023
Born Too Soon - 2023 Decade of Action on Preterm Birth
- Author:
- World Health Organisation
- Publisher:
- World Health Organisation
- Publication Date:
Every 2 seconds, a baby is born too soon. Every 40 seconds, one of those babies dies. · 152 million babies were born too soon in ... see more »
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Midwives educated to international standards, who are licensed, regulated, fully integrated into health systems and working in interprofessional teams can help avoid about two thirds of all maternal and newborn deaths. © UNFPA Kenya
