Global Preterm Births (IMAGE)

March of Dimes Foundation

Global Preterm Births

Caption

Worldwide, the preterm birth rate is estimated at 9.6 percent -- representing about 12.9 million babies. Though all countries are affected, the global distribution is uneven: the toll of preterm birth is particularly severe for Africa and Asia, where more than 85 percent of all preterm births occur. Comparison of preterm birth rates across world regions finds the highest rate in Africa -- 11.9 percent or about 4 million babies each year; followed by (in descending order) North America, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, Oceania (Australia and New Zealand combined) and Europe.

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March of Dimes

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