Vietnam records over 100,000 premature births annually, prematurity linked to over half of newborn deaths

These figures were highlighted at a scientific conference marking World Prematurity Day 2026 (November 15), organized by the Ministry of Health in coordination with the Da Nang Department of Health and UNICEF in Vietnam on Monday.

One in 10 babies is born prematurely

A representative of the Ministry of Health's Administration of Maternal and Children's Affairs cited the Global Foundation for the Care of Newborn Infants to say that around 13.4 million babies worldwide are born prematurely each year.

One in every 10 babies is born preterm. Prematurity is currently the leading cause of death among children under five globally.

Dr. Tran Dang Khoa, deputy head of the Administration of Maternal and Children's Affairs, said preterm birth and low birth weight account for 19 percent of newborn illnesses and more than 50 percent of neonatal deaths.

He said maternal and child healthcare in Vietnam had made significant progress in recent years.

The under-five mortality rate fell from 22.1 per 1,000 live births in 2015 to 16.7 in 2025, while the infant mortality rate dropped from 14.7 to 11.2 per 1,000 live births. The neonatal mortality rate is estimated at nine per 1,000 live births.

Specialized maternity and pediatric hospitals have strengthened their professional capacity and introduced various techniques for resuscitating, providing emergency care for, treating and nurturing newborns.

Many premature and underweight babies, including those weighing less than 500 grams at birth, have been saved.

Under-5 mortality rate in mountainous areas twice that in lowlands

However, caring for premature babies remains challenging. 

Healthcare workers, infrastructure and medical equipment for newborn emergency care and treatment remain inadequate at grassroots healthcare facilities, particularly in mountainous, remote and ethnic minority areas, according to the Administration of Maternal and Children's Affairs.

"Neonatal and under-five mortality rates in disadvantaged areas remain twice as high as those in lowland and urban areas. This gap calls for much greater and more decisive efforts to implement effective solutions and professional interventions to reduce premature births and neonatal deaths," Khoa said.

Vietnam's infant mortality rate also remains considerably higher than those of developed countries such as France, Sweden and Japan, where the rate stands at just 2-3 per 1,000 live births. Vietnam's rate is also twice that of Thailand, he said.

Khoa said this year's World Prematurity Day campaign emphasizes that saving premature babies in delivery rooms and neonatal intensive care units is only the first step.

Investment in post-discharge care, nutritional interventions and continuous monitoring is essential to helping these children achieve healthy physical, mental and cognitive development.

One of the Ministry of Health's key priorities for this year's campaign is to strengthen coordination between specialized maternity and pediatric hospitals, lower-level healthcare facilities, commune health stations and families in managing and monitoring the health of premature babies after discharge.

Khoa stressed the importance of guiding families on nutrition and growth monitoring for their babies. This enables parents to identify abnormal signs early and seek timely interventions suited to each child's condition and developmental needs.

Alongside post-discharge monitoring, the Ministry of Health has called for stronger maternal healthcare, pregnancy management and regular prenatal checkups, with expectant mothers advised to attend at least four visits during pregnancy.