The Leo & Mia Foundation, an international nonprofit, announces its official Middle East launch at Expo 2020 today. The foundation focuses on developing the vital systems that prevent, treat and provide necessary care for preterm babies and their mothers in the first 1000 days of their lives.
According to the WHO, babies born before completing the gestation period of 37 weeks are considered preterm babies. 1 in 10 babies are born preterm equating to 15 million babies annually and often results in complications making it one of the leading cause of death in children under the age of 5.
Commemorating the World Prematurity day, the U.K. based foundation made a series of announcements a commitment to create a world class knowledge base as well as guidelines for early childhood and cognitive development. Furthermore, it will soon be launching a whole family integrated approach here in the UAE with the Latifa women and children Hospital to tackle the emotional, financial and physical toll of preterm births on families.