Bangladesh has the highest preterm birth rate in the world, with 16.20% of babies born prematurely annually.
This translates to 1,340 preterm births daily or 56 every hour, according to data shared at a workshop titled "Dialogue on the Prematurity Burden, Intervention Status, and Innovation in Bangladesh" held at Dr Milon Hall, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) on Saturday (November 23).
Ahmed Ehsanur Rahman, a scientist from the Maternal and Child Health Department at the International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (ICDDR, B), presented the findings.
He said, "Bangladesh has the highest preterm birth rate globally. While this is alarming, it also positions us to receive global attention and support for intervention strategies."
By the numbers:
Bangladesh ranks sixth globally in the absolute number of preterm births, with nearly 500,000 preterm babies born annually.
An alternate estimate by the Global Burden of Disease suggests the figure could be as high as 8,00,000.
The country also ranks second worldwide for low birth weight, with 23 out of every 100 newborns affected—an estimated 6,96,700 annually.
A silver lining in care
Ahmed noted that 74% of deliveries in Bangladesh now occur in hospitals, a figure expected to rise to 80–85% in the coming years. This trend ensures that the majority of preterm babies are under the care of gynecologists, pediatricians, and neonatologists, increasing their chances of survival and healthy development.
Challenges in prevention
Professor Dr Md Abdul Mannan, Chair of BSMMU’s Neonatology Department, highlighted that 25,000 babies in Bangladesh die annually due to prematurity and low birth weight. Gynecologist Professor Laila Anjuman Banu pointed out that in nearly two-thirds of cases, the causes of preterm births remain unknown. Known risk factors include diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease, multiple pregnancies, and tobacco use.
"We aim to prevent preterm births by addressing identifiable causes and managing conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure before advising pregnancy," said Professor Banu.
Call for awareness
Professor Banu stressed the importance of awareness and early intervention: "Newlyweds in Bangladesh increasingly seek advice on pregnancy, which is a positive trend. We must leverage this to educate couples about risk factors and preventive measures."
The workshop underscored the need for greater public awareness, improved prenatal care, and targeted interventions to address the country’s alarming rates of preterm and low-birth-weight deliveries.