In the last decade, 152 million infants worldwide were born preterm — and while preterm birth rates are not changing, death rates from preterm birth complications are on the rise, according to a May 9 report from the World Health Organization.
"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," the news release states. "Preterm survivors can face lifelong health consequences, with an increased likelihood of disability and developmental delays."
The report comes on the heels of another report that the WHO published the same day detailing that globally, newborn deaths and stillbirths are at extraordinary highs.
Like many aspects of healthcare, deaths from preterm birth complications, the WHO says, have largely increased because of factors associated with the pandemic, climate change and global conflicts.
What can be done? According to the WHO report, investments in maternal and newborn health access and resources, speeding up the process for maternal and newborn health policies to become implemented, integrating care with education, economic investments and climate responses as well as investments in research on local levels are all good places to start.
"While some regions are more affected, preterm birth threatens health progress in every country," Joy Lawn, co-lead on the WHO report and professor of maternal reproductive and child health at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine said in a statement. "More work is also needed to prevent preterm birth, which will also improve progress in reducing stillbirths and maternal deaths. Together these twin tracks of preterm prevention and care will produce healthier individuals and societies to deliver on economic and social development."