Speech by Senior Minister of State for Health and the Environment and Water Resources, Dr Amy Khor, at the “Walkathon & Carnival” in conjunction with World Prematurity Day 2015, 14 November 2015

1.            Good morning to one and all. I am very happy to be here to commemorate World Prematurity Day. As our dedicated doctors from KKH, NUH and SGH shared, we should thank not only the doctors but the parents as well for bringing up your children so well. Every year, about 15 million children are born too early.  Worldwide one baby in 10 is born premature, that means born before 37 weeks of gestation are completed.

2.            Prematurity rates worldwide have been going up and this is despite decreasing total birth numbers.

3.            Someone asked me if Singapore is the healthiest nation in the world. Yes, it was ranked so by Bloomberg in 2013. Singapore has one of the world’s lowest infant mortality rates in the world but even then, like in all the countries around the world, premature birth is the biggest contributor for infant death, with most preterm related deaths occurring among those babies who were born very preterm. When these babies survive, they have usually spent weeks or months in hospital in the Neonatal Intensive Care Units / Special Care Units and separated from their parents and it is heartbreaking.  

4.            The majority of these premature infants do well, but a small proportion may continue to face multiple challenges as they grow up. These children are at a higher risk of chronic medical conditions compared to their full term counterparts.

5.            Despite this significant number of premature infants and the risks involved, the public is largely not aware of the prevention of preterm birth and the problems and risks involved in the development of a preterm infant.

6.            17^th November, I learned, was designated World Prematurity Day by a group of  parents in Europe more than 5 years ago who wanted to create an awareness day for preterm children and their families.  It has only gained momentum and become a worldwide awareness event over the last 5 years.  Last year saw more than 200 countries participate in activities for World Prematurity Day and this year there is likely be an even bigger outreach. This year, I am told, has the largest number of children and families gathered. Well done!

7.            Its aim is to raise awareness of the challenges of preterm birth and to make a difference for preterm infants and their families.  By improving awareness, it aims to encourage research into the causes of prematurity and to improve the quality of care and treatment for these children.  This is to ensure that this vulnerable group of children receives the best possible care to prevent unnecessary death and health problems caused by preterm birth. In fact in Singapore, we have a bunch of dedicated doctors in various hospitals to look after our premmies.

8.            This is the first year that the Premature support groups from the 3 restructured hospitals in Singapore have organised a joint event for their Premature children and families.  It is a good opportunity for them to come together and bond over a healthy early morning walk as well as share experiences and motivate each other. This reminds us that every child is a gift, and unique, and every life is precious.

9.             I wish all of you every success in your life and a most fruitful day ahead.