Reducing infant mortality with solutions to prevent premature birth

Reducing infant mortality with solutions to prevent premature birth - Photo 1.

Deputy Minister of Health Nguyen Tri Thuc speaks at the ceremony to respond to World Day for Premature Babies - Photo: VGP

On November 14, the Ministry of Health coordinated with the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) to organize a ceremony to respond to "World Day for Premature Babies", aiming to raise public awareness about care, protection and support for premature babies, contributing to ensuring every child has a good start in life.

According to the WHO, every year globally, more than 13 million babies are born prematurely, meaning 1 in 10 babies are born prematurely. Premature birth is the leading cause of death in newborns, accounting for about 1 million deaths each year. Babies who survive premature birth often face many long-term health problems such as developmental delays, motor disabilities, vision and hearing loss, and behavioral and learning disorders.

In Vietnam, premature birth remains a significant health problem. Approximately 25% of neonatal deaths are due to premature birth/low birth weight. Although the health sector has made great progress in neonatal care and treatment for premature babies, this group of babies remains at high risk and requires special attention from both the health system and society as a whole.

In response to World Prematurity Day (November 17 every year) and to strengthen care and support activities for this vulnerable group of children, the Ministry of Health has been guiding localities and units to implement a peak month of action for preterm children nationwide from November 1-30, 2025, focusing on communication and enhancing the provision of support services for preterm children.

Avoid risk factors leading to premature birth

According to Deputy Minister of Health Nguyen Tri Thuc, in recent years, Vietnam has made great progress in the field of care and treatment of premature babies, as we have successfully saved and cared for many premature and low birth weight babies, even babies under 500 grams, helping them grow up healthy and develop normally physically and mentally.

The Deputy Minister emphasized that to reduce neonatal mortality, especially deaths due to premature birth/low birth weight, Vietnam needs to continue focusing resources, strengthening preventive interventions and providing safe and effective neonatal care.

Reducing the rate of premature and low birth weight babies is not only the task of the health sector but requires the synchronous coordination of many sectors, authorities at all levels and the entire community.

The Deputy Minister also pointed out that combining international experience and practice in Vietnam will help us continue to reduce the rate of premature birth and neonatal mortality, while improving the quality of life for premature babies and their families.

In addition, the Ministry of Health will also focus on promoting health education and communication, helping women of childbearing age and pregnant women understand the risk factors leading to premature birth. From there, they can proactively go for regular check-ups and pregnancy management to receive effective advice, care and prevention of premature birth.

According to experts, risk factors leading to premature birth include improper nutrition, pregnancy diseases, overwork, stress, marriage or giving birth at too young or too late age...

Hien Minh

Source: https://baochinhphu.vn/giam-tu-vong-tre-so-sinh-bang-cac-giai-phap-phong-ngua-sinh-non-102251114113343068.htm