Kangaroo Mother Care

Globally, prematurity is the first cause of death in children under five. In absolute terms, almost one million babies die because of prematurity each year, mostly in South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. The risk of death increases with decreasing gestational age and with poverty. It is estimated that neonatal mortality could be reduced by 19% if all neonates could experience similar mortality rates as the richest 20%. Deaths are caused mainly by the immaturity of vital organs and systems. Preterm babies who survive are at risk for moderate, severe or mild long-term cognitive and behavioural impairment and may be affected by retinopathy, with visual impairment, including blindness. Other important conditions, such as infections, jaundice, feeding difficulties and malnutrition, often leading to stunting, as well as some non-communicable diseases (high blood pressure, cardiovascular diseases, obesity, diabetes) are also more frequent in preterm than in term infants, with subsequent major negative individual, family and social effects.