Addressing the Burden of Prematurity and Its Prevention in Developing Countries: Is it Time to Act Now?

Around 3.5 million preterm births occur in India annually, accounting for about 25% of all preterm births worldwide. Prematurity poses a significant burden world-wide but leaves a special impact on the families and health systems of low-socioeconomic countries where easy and universal access to adequate health services is compromised. Premature birth imposes a significant risk of neonatal death among all under-fives due to organ immaturity, sepsis, and respiratory distress syndrome. Efforts to address prematurity on a global scale involve a multifaceted approach, including improving access to quality prenatal care, enhancing neonatal care services, and implementing public health interventions to reduce the infant mortality rate. Despite ongoing challenges, progress has been made in reducing the global burden of prematurity through concerted efforts by governments, international organizations, healthcare professionals, and community stakeholders. However, continued intervention, monitoring, and commitment are needed to further prevent the delivery of preterm babies and to improve their overall health, aiming at reducing the burden on families, caregivers, and the health sector budget worldwide.