Premature birth responsible for 31% neonatal deaths
Around 604,000 babies are born before 37 weeks of pregnancy each year in Bangladesh
At least 31 percent of all neonatal deaths is caused by prematurity related complications and around 23,600 children under five die due to direct preterm complications.
This was revealed in a report published by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Sunday.
The ministry has launched a "Prematurity info-pack" to mark the World Prematurity Day 2019 at the capital's Bangabandhu International Conference Center.
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The info-pack will help improve the knowledge and approach towards premature birth and low birth weight in Bangladesh.
In Bangladesh, around 604,000 babies are born before 37 weeks of pregnancy each year, which means the preterm birth rate is 19.2 percent. Among live births, 22 percent babies have a low birth weight rate, which is less than 2,500 grams.
Health Minister Zahid Maleque attended the launching ceremony as the chief guest. Health Secretary MD Ashadul Islam, Director General of Nursing and Midwifery Alam Ara Begum, Additional Directorate General of Health Services Dr ASM Enayet Hossain were also present among others.
