Africa leads in premature births, newborn deaths

By Dorothy Otieno

Africa and Asia account for over 85 per cent of the 13 million premature births worldwide, a new report finds.

According to the report on the global toll of preterm births, about one million deaths in the first month of life (28 per cent of total newborn deaths) are attributable to preterm birth.

Contributing factors include a rise in the number of pregnancies in women over age 35, the growing use of assisted reproduction techniques leading to an increase in multiple births and the rise in the number of late preterm births (between 34 and 36 weeks gestation).

Babies who survive a preterm birth face the risk of serious lifelong health problems including cerebral palsy, blindness, hearing loss and learning disabilities.

According to the white paper by the international NGO March of Dimes, even infants born late preterm have a greater risk of re-hospitalisation, breathing problems, feeding difficulties, temperature instability (hypothermia), jaundice and delayed brain development.

Huge toll

The highest preterm birth rates in the world are found in Africa, followed by North America according to the report published in the Bulletin of the World Health Organisation, "Premature births are an enormous global problem that is exacting a huge toll emotionally, physically, and financially on families, medical systems and economies," says Dr Jennifer L Howse, March of Dimes president.

In the US, the annual cost of caring for preterm babies and their associated health problems tops Sh1.9 trillion annually.

"If world leaders are serious about reaching the United Nation’s Millennium Development Goals to reduce child mortality and improve maternal health, then strategies and funding for reducing death and disability related to preterm birth must receive priority," says Howse says.

Experts say the figures are conservative – counting only singleton preterm births and likely underestimates the true magnitude of the worldwide crisis of preterm birth.

Birth rate

Worldwide, the preterm birth rate is estimated at 9.6 per cent –representing about 12.9 million babies. Though all countries are affected, distribution is uneven. The toll is particularly severe for Africa and Asia. Comparison across regions finds the highest rate in Africa — 11.9 per cent or about 4 million babies each year, followed by North America, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, Oceania, and Europe.

Where trend data are available, rates of preterm birth are increasing. For example, the rate of preterm birth in the US has increased 36 percent in the past 25 years.

Known risk factors for preterm birth include women who have already had one preterm baby are at greater risk. Some premature births may be preventable by addressing known modifiable risk factors such as diet.

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