By Sajib Mannan

 

According to a survey conducted by WHO, 26,100 infants die each year in Bangladesh due to premature birth which ranks Bangladesh 7^th amongst the top ten countries with the greatest number of premature births. Everyday, at least 70 premature infants die within 28 days of their birth. According to statistics collected from the Health Ministry of Bangladesh, an estimated 21,900 premature babies die within four weeks of their birth in Bangladesh.

Most of these infants die from diseases that are mostly curable. Mothers who are underweight or are suffering from obesity, diabetes, hypertension and fetal pregnancy complications are more likely to give birth to premature babies. Most of the women here in Bangladesh are not aware of the causes or risk factors that may lead to giving birth to a premature baby. Many of them don’t even consult a gynecologist during their pregnancy.

There aren’t enough medical facilities for the treatment of premature infants in Bangladesh. Officials of health services acknowledge that there are only 13 government hospitals and four medical colleges that have neonatal care units throughout the country. Many parents living in rural areas can’t even find a doctor to provide treatment for their premature babies.

Many of the premature babies in Bangladesh, as in many other parts of the world, suffer from lifelong physical and neurological complications. If more awareness could be raised about life-saving interventions and if proper medical facilities were more accessible, many infants wouldn’t have to lose their lives. Many who do survive could live a normal life and grow into adulthood like most other children.

But brighter days are on the horizon for Bangladesh and a day will come when no infant will die due to lack of medical facilities. The Director of Health Services, Dr. S A J Musa, says that by 2016 more neonatal care facilities will be opened in 29 hospitals and in four medical colleges.

Bangladesh now stands shoulder to shoulder with the world to fight against premature birth and is taking action to reduce its premature birth rate. Last November 17th, World Prematurity Day was observed for the first time in Bangladesh. On that day, ICDDRB ( International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh), UNICEF, WHO, Bangladesh Neonatal Forum, Bangladesh Perinatal Society, Saving Newborn Lives, USAID and Save The Children jointly organized a seminar where they discussedthe issues surrounding premature birth in Bangladesh. As a result of that seminar, the Ministry of Health and Welfare has promised to develop a strategic plan for program directors to provide steroid injections for women in preterm labor. With this significant step many premature babies can be saved and will have a chance to live a normal life.