Vietnam has made much progress in the field of care and treatment of premature babies.

Mr. Tran Dang Khoa - Deputy Director of the Department of Mothers and Children estimated that 75% of deaths due to premature birth are completely preventable with simple, effective and low-cost interventions.

In recent years, Vietnam has made many advances in the field of care and treatment of premature babies.

Doctors have successfully treated, cared for and raised many premature/underweight babies under 500g, bringing joy to families. Premature babies are saved and develop normally physically and mentally, and go to school like other children.

Deputy Minister of Health Nguyen Tri Thuc emphasized this when speaking at the ceremony to respond to World Premature Birth Day, with the theme "A solid start to a bright future for premature babies," organized by the Ministry of Health in coordination with the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) on November 14, in Hanoi.

According to the Deputy Minister of Health , Vietnam is highly appreciated by the international community as a bright spot in implementing the Millennium Goals as well as implementing the Sustainable Development Goals, successfully implementing indicators on reducing maternal mortality and reducing child mortality. The mortality rate of children under 5 years old decreased from 22.1%o in 2015 to 16.9%o in 2024. The mortality rate of children under 1 year old decreased from 14.7%o in 2015 to 11.3%o in 2024. The current infant mortality rate is estimated to decrease to 9.6%o (in 2015 it was 12%o).

Deputy Minister of Health Nguyen Tri Thuc speaks at the ceremony. (Photo: PV/Vietnam+)

According to the World Health Organization, more than 13 million babies are born prematurely each year, or 1 in 10 babies 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.

Mr. Tran Dang Khoa - Deputy Director of the Department of Mothers and Children (Ministry of Health) emphasized that premature birth is currently the direct or indirect cause of more than 50% of neonatal deaths globally. In Vietnam, the estimated premature birth rate ranges from 8.5% to 10% of all births and it is worth noting that about 85% of premature babies are born at 32 weeks or more.

According to Mr. Khoa, it is estimated that 75% of deaths due to premature birth can be completely prevented with simple, effective and low-cost interventions. Premature birth is not just a birth earlier than expected, but a threat to the overall health of the child.

Premature babies can face numerous short-term complications such as hypothermia, respiratory distress syndrome, apnea, patent ductus arteriosus, cerebral hemorrhage, sepsis, or necrotizing enterocolitis.

The long-term consequences are equally severe, including neurodevelopmental disorders, cerebral palsy, intellectual and motor delays, behavioral disorders, asthma, retinopathy, metabolic and nutritional problems, and chronic kidney disease.

Deputy Minister Nguyen Tri Thuc 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 responsibility of the health sector but also requires the coordinated efforts of many sectors, authorities at all levels and the entire community. (Photo: PV/Vietnam+)

According to the Ministry of Health, reducing the rate of premature and low birth weight babies is not only the responsibility of the health sector but also requires the coordinated efforts of many sectors, authorities at all levels and the entire community. It is necessary to have the participation of ministries and sectors in ensuring health care conditions for pregnant women; of local authorities in implementing primary health care services; of the community in raising awareness and understanding of pregnancy care; along with practical support from international and domestic organizations.

This event is part of a series of activities during the peak month of promoting activities for premature babies in 2025, aiming to raise public awareness about the care, protection and support of premature babies, contributing to ensuring every child has a good start in life.

In response to World Premature Infant Day (November 17 every year) and to strengthen care and support activities for this vulnerable group of children, the Ministry of Health has instructed localities and units to implement the "Peak Month of Action for Premature Infants" nationwide from November 1-30, focusing on communication and enhancing the provision of support services for premature infants.../.

(Vietnam+)

Source: https://www.vietnamplus.vn/viet-nam-da-co-nhieu-tien-bo-trong-linh-vuc-cham-soc-va-dieu-tri-tre-sinh-non-post1076960.vnp