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Why are survival rates for premature babies so low?

In Africa, only 1 in 10 very premature babies survive. In high income countries, the rate is 9 out of 10.

"The resounding cry from the report is these babies should have the same chance. And they can."

A report out today says that globally, we’ve made no progress at all over the last decade in reducing the number of pregnancies that end with a premature birth. And in Africa - just 1 in 10 of those premature babies will survive, compared to 9 out of 10 in high income countries.

So why are premature babies still dying in such numbers? And what can be done to improve the situation?

For Africa Daily, Mpho Lakaje speaks to Miriam, a nurse and the mother of two premature babies, and to Professor Joy Lawn, who’s worked in neonatal care across Africa all her life - and is the author of the β€œBorn Too Soon” report.

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19 minutes

Podcast