Born too soon: Global action on preventing preterm birth

Published in May 2012, Born Too Soon: The Global Action Report on Preterm Birth provided the first-ever country-level estimates of preterm birth rates for 184 countries and outlined actions in response. The report estimated that 15 million babies are born preterm every year (more than 1 in 10 live births) and that more than 1.1 million of them die as a result of their prematurity. Preterm birth rates are rising in most countries, making preterm birth the leading cause of neonatal mortality and the second leading cause of child mortality worldwide. For those children who survive, many face a lifetime of severe disability.

This presentation will outline the report's recommended actions to reduce mortality by over 75% and greatly accelerate prevention. It will also describe the vigorous global initiatives undertaken since the report's release and the unique and extensive international partnerships formed in response.