To commemorate World Prematurity Day on November 17, the Indian Foundation for Premature Babies (IFPB), a not for profit organization formed by a group of top physicians (Neonatologists & Paediatricians) in India, has unveiled the first action report on preterm birth in India ‘Delivered Too Soon’ highlighting the Indian scenario of preterm births and country's commitment towards improving the neo-natal health conditions.
Smita Thackeray along with Dr Bhoopendra Awasthi, managing director in Surya Child Care Hospital and Dr Nandkishor S Kabra, paediatrician in Surya Child Care Hospital, released the report at Surya Child Care Hospital.
Dr Kabra said, “Prematurity is the leading cause of infant deaths in India and yet not recognised as a serious matter.As prematurity is not considered a public health issue, its awareness levels are too low. This report is the stepping stone towards building a healthy ecosystem for pre-term babies and mothers through awareness creation and sensitization.”
Dr Kabra further adds, “The paradigm of premature deliveries in India is changing and it has become a disease of the marginalized as well at the affluent. Around three lakh preterms annually die due to complications in India. The most important intervention in this regard is birth spacing and treatment of maternal infections. Thus creating highest level of awareness on this issue is critical.”
Many organisations working to prevent preterm births in India and globally i.e. World Health Organisation (WHO), global alliance to prevent prematurity and still-births, SAVE THE CHILDREN, Ministry of Child Health & Family Welfare, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation have contributed in this report. IFPB had also organised an exhibition of compelling pictures of preterm children at the hospital.
As per a WHO fact sheet (2012), India tops the list of 10 nations contributing to 60 per cent of the world's premature deliveries. India has been striving to achieve Millennium Development Goal 4 to reduce the under-five years of age child mortality, burden of premature birth which requires both focused attention and evidence based intervention. The ‘Delivered Too Soon’ report is a multi-faceted study on the growth, gains and gaps in the Indian scenario.
This report will help in increasing awareness on the issue of preterm births by defining and addressing the health and economic consequences of preterm birth in India. It will be of particular interest to paediatricians, public health officials, policy makers and social science researchers.
Premature birth and its complications is irrefutably a major crisis that cannot be ignored and according to this report, India is the biggest contributor to the world’s prematurity load with almost 36 lakhs premature births each year. The report also raises concern about the financial burden on families to save a premature infant; the maximum burden is seen when the baby is between 28 to 36 weeks.