Dhaka: Premature birth complications have been identified as the primary cause of high mortality rates among newborns in Bangladesh. Sanjida and Raihan, a couple who married two years ago, experienced this tragedy firsthand when their first child, born prematurely at six months and 23 days, passed away just three days after birth.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, health experts have highlighted that preterm birth complications remain the top cause of infant deaths in the country. They attribute the high rate to several risk factors, including adolescent pregnancies, short intervals between pregnancies, hypertension, and obesity. The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) reports that over three million children are born each year in Bangladesh, with premature births leading the list of causes for infant mortality.
Statistics reveal that out of three million births, approximately 600,000 are premature, with 20,000 infants dying as a result. Dr. Shamim Jahan, formerly of Save the Children, noted a decrease in these numbers compared to 2016, when 23,620 infants died due to premature births.
Dr. Monir Hossain from Dhaka Shishu Hospital stated that Bangladesh ranks seventh globally for premature births. He explained that any child born before 37 weeks is considered premature and emphasized that such births are the leading cause of mortality in children under five. According to WHO data, 14 percent of children born in Bangladesh are premature, equating to one in every seven births.
The number of extreme preterm births, those occurring before 28 weeks, is estimated at 22,000 annually. These infants require comprehensive healthcare support. Dr. Monir stressed the importance of lifestyle changes, infection prevention, and proper nutrition to reduce prematurity rates. He also pointed out risk factors such as adolescent pregnancies, short pregnancy intervals, and environmental factors like indoor pollution.
Neonatologist Dr. Saidur Rahman Shohag advocated for Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) as a cost-effective intervention to save preterm infants. He urged for the expansion of KMC programs through community motivation and behavioral change to prevent further preterm deaths.