Prevent deaths of preterm newborns

In the past 50 years, both maternal and child mortality rates in Bangladesh have decreased. Among the developing countries of South Asia, Bangladesh has made the most progress in reducing maternal and child mortality. At the time of independence, the child mortality rate in Bangladesh was 141 per 1000 live births, but it has now reduced to 21. This means that child mortality has decreased by 85 per cent. However, unfortunately, the death of preterm newborns remains unaddressed.

A recent study reveals that every year, 488,600 preterm newborns are born in the country. Of every 100 newborns, 16.2 are preterm. Bangladesh has the highest preterm birth rate in the world. Malawi, Pakistan, and Palestine occupy the second, third, and fourth positions, respectively. On the other hand, 23 per cent of newborns are born with a low birth weight, which is the second-highest rate in the world.

Preterm and low-birth-weight newborns face the greatest health and mortality risks. Every year, more than 24,900 preterm and low-birth-weight newborns die in Bangladesh. This means that three such newborns die every hour. Researchers have found that more boy newborns are born preterm, and the mortality rate is also higher among them.

The question is, why do preterm newborns born and why do many of them die? Additionally, why is the cause of preterm birth unknown in two-thirds of cases? However, research shows that if these babies can be kept alive for a week, they often show positive outcomes later. Studies indicate that factors such as child marriage, domestic violence, and indoor air pollution contribute to preterm and low-birth-weight births. If newborns are breastfed from birth, their risks decrease.

Although many people are aware of the necessary care during the prenatal, delivery, and postnatal periods, the problem lies in the lack of awareness despite the knowledge. Child marriage is still not being prevented, and it is not possible to stop underage girls from becoming mothers. Moreover, many mothers are deprived of prenatal, delivery, and postnatal care. As a result, due to the birth of preterm newborns, many children are at risk of death, and many mothers are also at risk.

This is not only tragic from a humanitarian perspective but also harmful to the overall economy of a country. With a little awareness, we can avoid this enormous loss. This requires not only awareness within every family but also appropriate initiatives at the state level. To achieve this, maternal healthcare services must be made more accessible in the remote areas of the country. Every mother must be brought under the coverage of healthcare services. Moreover, there is no alternative to increasing social awareness.