United Hospital Neonatology Department commemorated World Prematurity Day, in an event organized at hospital seminar hall amidst children who were born premature in this hospital & treated accordingly. The family members of these babies attended this event as well. Dr. Nargis Ara Begum, Consultant Neonatology highlighted the standard operating procedure and treatment facilities of Neonatology Department of United Hospital. Professor Dr. Mohammad Shahidullah, President of Bangladesh Pediatric Association and Chairman of Neonatology Department of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University spoke on the occasion and lauded the role of United Hospital Neonatology Department of United Hospital in alleviating problems of premature babies. Family members of premature babies who were born at United Hospital, were heart touching and very emotional as they expressed their gratitude for the compassionate service they received at their trying times. Dr. Shagufa Anwar, Chief of Communication said United Hospital will continue to arrange this type of community engagement program  to increase social awareness.

World Prematurity Day is observed on 17th November worldwide since 2011. Bangladesh is celebrating World Prematurity Day since 2012. The main theme of the day is to inform general people and health caregivers and increase of public awareness about  prematurity, its remedy and treatment-management system.

Prematurity is the leading cause of child mortality globally. A baby born before 37 weeks of pregnancy is a premature newborn. Every year 1.5 million premature children are born in the world. Bangladesh is seventh amongst countries having premature births, but considering the rate of infant mortality, Bangladesh globally is in the 5th rank, which indicates the challenge that our country’s healthcare sector is facing.