Addressing the burden of premature birth and its prevention in developing countries: is it time to act now?

Mahaveer  Singh Lakra; Amar  Taksande; Revat  J. Meshram; Ashwini  Lakra; Amit  Kumar; Deepak  Gandhi; Roshan  Prasad; Mayur  Wanjari

Authors

Mahaveer Singh Lakra Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, India
Amar Taksande Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, India
Revat J. Meshram Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, India
Ashwini Lakra Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, India
Amit Kumar All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Nagpur, India
Deepak Gandhi Medeor Hospital, Dubai
Roshan Prasad Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, India
Mayur Wanjari Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, India

Keywords:

Antenatal care, health program, neonatal death, respiratory distress syndrome, prematurity

Abstract

India accounts for approximately 3.5 million preterm births annally, representing about 25% of the global burden. Premature birth poses a substantial burden, with an especially profound impact on families and health systems in low-and middle-income countries, where access to adequate healthcare is limited. Premature birth remains a leading cause of neonatal death among children under the age of five years due to organ immaturity, sepsis, and respiratory distress syndrome. Efforts to reduce premature birth include improving access to quality prenatal care, enhancing neonatal care services, and implementing targeted public health interventions. Despite ongoing challenges, considerable progress has been made through concerted efforts by governments, international organizations, healthcare providers, and community stakeholders. Continued investment, monitoring, and innovation are crucial to further prevent preterm births and improve the outcomes. Such efforts aim to alleviate the burden on families and caregivers while strengthening already strained health systems worldwide.

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