Preterm birth–associated neurodevelopmental impairment estimates at regional and global levels for 2010

BACKGROUND: In 2010, there were an estimated 15 million preterm births worldwide (90%) survive without neurodevelopmental impairment. Developing effective means of prevention of preterm birth should be a longer term priority, but major burden reduction could be made immediately with improved coverage and quality of care. Improved newborn care would reduce mortality, especially in low-income countries and is likely to reduce impairment in survivors, particularly in middle-income settings.