There is considerable variation in the prevalence of
low birth weight across regions and within countries;
however, the great majority of low-birth-weight
births occur in low- and middle-income countries and
especially in the most vulnerable populations (6, 7).
Regional estimates of low birth weight include 28% in
south Asia, 13% in sub-Saharan Africa and 9% in Latin
America (see Table 1). It is worth noting that these
rates are high, in spite of the fact that the data on low
birth weight remain limited or unreliable, as many
deliveries occur in homes or small health clinics and
are not reported in official figures, which may result
in an underestimation of the prevalence of low birth
weight.
WHO/NMH/NHD/14.5
TARGET:
30% reduction in
low birth weight
Gates/Frederic Coubert