Dialogue on the Prematurity Burden, Intervention Status, and Innovations in Bangladesh
While the country has seen an increase in neonatal care facilities over the last decade, quality remains a concern. In Bangladesh, three newborns die every hour due to prematurity and low birth weight. To address this issue on a national scale, a workshop titled "Dialogue on the Prematurity Burden, Intervention Status, and Innovations in Bangladesh” was jointly organised by Neonatology Department of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) and AdSEARCH. Two scientific presentations were delivered at the workshop.
Firstly Dr Ahmed Ehsanur Rahman explained that babies born before completing 40 weeks of gestation are at risk of respiratory distress, jaundice, and anemia. Also, stressing that steroid injections administered shortly before birth significantly reduce these risks although access remains limited. In the second presentation, Prof. Dr Md Abdul Mannan reported that over the past decade, Bangladesh has made notable progress in expanding interventions like Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) and Special Care Newborn Units (SCANU).
However, only 16% of these newborns received quality care. He also pointed that, Skin-to-skin contact between a newborn and the mother can reduce neonatal mortality rates up to 25%. During the open discussion session, Major (Retd.) Dr Laila Arjuman Banu, highlighted several maternal factors contributing to premature births, including infections during pregnancy, uterine abnormalities, high blood pressure, diabetes, and kidney issues. Prof. Sanjoy Kumar Dey emphasised the importance of breastfeeding campaigns in reducing premature and low birth weight (LBW) infant mortality.
Dr Md Jahurul Islam, pointed out the lack of skilled personnel and adequate equipment in many medical centers outside Dhaka. Experts at the workshop called for strengthened efforts to address gaps in although access remains limited.The experts also emphasised that further investments in healthcare infrastructure, skilled personnel, and public awareness are crucial to saving lives. They urged policymakers to prioritise these issues to ensure that every newborn receives the care necessary to survive and thrive.
Major Attendees (chronology as appeared in the news) :
Dr Ahmed Ehsanur Rahman, Technical Coordinator, AdSEARCH & Scientist, MCHD, icddr,b
Professor Dr Md Abdul Mannan, Chairman, Department of Neonatology, BSMMU
Professor Sanjoy Kumar Dey, Department of Neonatology, BSMMU
Dr Md Jahurul Islam, Programme Manager, NNHP, DGHS
