Russia's preterm birth crisis deepens as tiny babies fight for survival

World Prematurity Day on November 17 highlights the challenges faced by millions of babies born too soon. Each year, over 13 million infants arrive prematurely worldwide, with many suffering lifelong disabilities or early death. In Russia, the number of very low and extremely low birth weight newborns is climbing, raising concerns among medical experts.

Premature birth remains a leading cause of newborn deaths, accounting for nearly half of all fatalities in the first month of life. More than one million preterm babies die shortly after birth annually, while countless others face physical, neurological, or learning difficulties later in life.

The Detali programme recently examined medical progress in saving premature infants in the Krasnodar Territory. Leading specialists in the region are working to improve survival rates and long-term outcomes. Among them is Olga Sapun, a top-category anesthesiologist-resuscitator who heads Neonatal Intensive Care Unit No. 2 at the Krasnodar Regional Children's Clinical Hospital (KRCH). She also serves as the chief freelance neonatologist for the Krasnodar Territory Ministry of Health.

Nina Petrukina, another key figure, leads the Premature and Newborn Pathology Unit No. 2 at the same hospital. Both specialists are part of broader efforts to enhance care for vulnerable newborns in the region.

Despite ongoing medical advancements, preterm birth continues to pose serious risks to infant health. In Russia, the growing number of extremely low birth weight babies underscores the need for stronger support systems. Hospitals like KRCH remain at the forefront, with dedicated teams working to reduce mortality and improve quality of life for these children.