The condition of premature birth of children can cause many types of health problems in them. Pre-term birth refers to babies who are born before 37 weeks of pregnancy. This condition is known to affect physical and mental growth in children and increase a variety of other health risks, including congenital anomalies, and neurological problems. Its danger in India is increasing with time.
Recent reports show that more than 3.02 million (30.2 lakh) babies were born prematurely in India in 2020, the highest number of pre-term births this year worldwide.
This has come to light in the report of the study published in The Lancet Journal. According to this, the figures for 2020 in India are 20 percent more than the total premature birth figures globally. Health experts say that this can be a situation that increases serious health risks in the future, about which everyone needs to be alert.
More than half of the cases are from only eight countries
The authors, from the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) and the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, studied data from several countries around the world and found that just eight countries accounted for more than 50 percent of all premature births in 2020. Are from. Along with India, these countries include Pakistan, Nigeria, China, Ethiopia, Bangladesh, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and America. Health experts say that special care should be taken for the health of these children.
Preterm birth and health risks
According to reports, globally, an estimated 13.4 million (1.34 crore) babies were born in 2020, out of which almost one million died due to complications. This data is equivalent to 1 in 10 babies being born before 37 weeks of pregnancy worldwide.
The authors said that since prematurity is the leading cause of death in children, it is important to pay serious attention to it and promote prevention efforts. There is an urgent need to focus specifically on maternal health and nutrition.
Children may have many health problems
Among premature babies who survive, they are at significantly increased risk of developing diabetes and heart disease in adulthood, along with disabilities and developmental delays, health experts say. Experts say special efforts have been made in the last few years to reduce such risks, and success has been achieved in this, although many shortcomings remain.
Efforts necessary to reduce preterm births
Health experts say serious attention needs to be given to strategies to reduce premature births. Smoking can be a major risk factor for this in women. It is important to provide high-quality medical care to women during pregnancy that can help prevent pregnancy complications, as well as reduce its risks.
(PC: Freepik)
