Premature Birth
A Global Perspective
Premature birth is a global health challenge. Every year, an estimated 13.4 million babies are born preterm – before 37 completed weeks of gestation – and complications arising from prematurity are the leading cause of death among children under five years of age worldwide.
While premature birth occurs in every country, the burden is not equally distributed. Rates of preterm birth, access to neonatal care, and survival outcomes vary significantly depending on geography, income level, and healthcare infrastructure.
Global preterm birth rates
Preterm birth rates differ markedly across regions. Sub-Saharan Africa and Southern Asia bear the highest burden, with countries such as Bangladesh and Malawi reporting preterm birth rates exceeding 14%. In contrast, many high-income countries report rates between 5% and 9%.
In Australia, approximately 8.7% of babies are born prematurely each year. While this places Australia in the mid-range globally, it still means that thousands of Australian families are affected by prematurity every year.
Globally, prematurity rates have remained largely unchanged over the past two decades, underscoring the need for continued investment in research, prevention, and care.
Why premature birth rates differ between countries
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Access to quality antenatal care – early detection and management of risk factors can reduce preterm birth rates
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Maternal nutrition and health – undernutrition, anaemia, and untreated infections contribute to higher rates in low-income settings
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Socioeconomic conditions – poverty, inadequate housing, and limited access to education and healthcare are linked to poorer maternal and neonatal outcomes
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Rates of multiple pregnancies – the use of assisted reproduction technologies in high-income countries contributes to higher rates of multiple births, which carry a greater risk of prematurity
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Data collection and reporting – in some regions, preterm births may be underreported due to limited vital registration systems
Multiple births and prematurity
The impact of prematurity on child survival
Complications of preterm birth are the single largest cause of death in children under five globally. This includes direct complications such as respiratory distress syndrome, infections, and necrotising enterocolitis, as well as longer-term consequences for babies who survive but face ongoing health challenges.
In high-income countries with advanced neonatal care, survival rates for very premature babies have improved significantly over recent decades. However, in low- and middle-income countries, many premature babies still lack access to basic interventions such as warmth, feeding support, and treatment for infections.
The economic cost of premature birth
Although Kangaroo Care is often associated with mothers, it is equally valuable when provided by fathers or non-birth parents.
Skin-to-skin contact allows other caregivers to build a strong bond with the baby, regulate the baby’s vital signs, and actively participate in care. This can be especially important when the mother is recovering from birth or needs rest.
Kangaroo care with medical equipment in place
The financial impact of premature birth is substantial, both for families and healthcare systems. In Australia, the immediate cost of caring for an extremely premature newborn is estimated at around $216,000, while care for a moderately premature baby costs approximately $59,000.
Beyond the initial hospital stay, many premature babies require ongoing specialist appointments, developmental support, therapy services, and sometimes readmission to hospital. The broader economic impact includes lost productivity for families and long-term healthcare expenditure.
What is being done globally
Addressing premature birth requires action at multiple levels. Globally, efforts include:
- Investing in research to better understand the causes of preterm birth and develop effective prevention strategies
- Strengthening antenatal care systems, particularly in low-resource settings
- Expanding access to essential neonatal care, including kangaroo care, basic respiratory support, and infection prevention
- Supporting training and education for healthcare workers in neonatal care
- Advocating for policies that address the social determinants of premature birth, including poverty, nutrition, and education
Prematurity in Australia
In Australia, significant progress has been made in neonatal care, contributing to improved survival and outcomes for premature babies. However, disparities remain – particularly for First Nations families, those living in rural and remote areas, and communities experiencing socioeconomic disadvantage.
Continued investment in neonatal equipment, research, and equitable access to care is essential to ensure that every premature baby has the best possible start in life.
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How Running for Premature Babies Helps Support NICUs, SCNs and maternity unit
Running for Premature Babies plays a crucial role in supporting NICUs, SCNs and maternity units across Australia by providing the vital equipment that gives sick and premature babies a better chance of survival.
As one of the country’s most impactful charitable foundations in neonatal care, the organisation has raised more than $12 million since 2007, enabling the donation of over 172 pieces of critical neonatal equipment - including humidicribs, monitors, ventilators & resuscitation cots - to hospitals nationwide. This equipment directly supports NICUs and SCNs in caring for extremely vulnerable newborns, helping to improve survival rates and long-term outcomes.
Running for Premature Babies also funds cutting edge neonatal and perinatal research, helping advance the care of premature infants and improve future treatment options.
Beyond funding, the charity raises awareness of prematurity and the immense demands on NICUs, highlighting the reality that 1 in 10 babies in Australia is born prematurely, many requiring intensive care that can cost thousands of dollars per day. The charity celebrates all prematurely born children, both living and lost, with many supporters having lived experience of prematurity.
Through community running events and nationwide fundraising efforts, Running for Premature Babies empowers everyday Australians to make a tangible difference, helping hospitals provide the specialised care needed to give premature babies their best possible start in life.
You can read more about our impact here.
Every contribution makes a difference. By giving today, you can help fund urgently needed neonatal equipment that supports hospitals and saves the lives of sick and premature babies. Give today and help fund urgently needed neonatal equipment that will save the lives of sick and premature babies.
