Low-birth-weight: worldwide 2000-2016

National, regional, and worldwide estimates of low birthweight in 2015, with trends from 2000: a systematic analysis

• Hannah Blencowe, MRCPCH 
• Julia Krasevec, MSc
• Mercedes de Onis, MD
• Prof Robert E Black, MD
• Xiaoyi An, MA
• Gretchen A Stevens, DSc
• et al.
• Show all authors
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Open AccessPublished:May 15, 2019

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DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/S2214-109X(18)30565-5

Summary

Background

Low birthweight (LBW) of less than 2500 g is an important marker of maternal and fetal health, predicting mortality, stunting, and adult-onset chronic conditions. Global nutrition targets set at the World Health Assembly in 2012 include an ambitious 30% reduction in LBW prevalence between 2012 and 2025. Estimates to track progress towards this target are lacking; with this analysis, we aim to assist in setting a baseline against which to assess progress towards the achievement of the World Health Assembly targets.