War stress increases number of premature birth cases in Ukraine - UN.

The war in Ukraine is increasing the risks of premature births and causing babies to need more oxygen.

That's according to the spokesperson for a UN-backed global health initiative told the World Health Organization (WHO), who spoke in Geneva on Tuesday, Ukrinform reports.

“The war increases levels of stress in pregnant women, which leads to an increase in the number of premature births reported,” Herve Verhoosel, Spokesperson for global health agency Unitaid, told journalists at a regular WHO press briefing.

“Babies born prematurely are more likely to develop respiratory, neurological or digestive complications, conditions that often require oxygen for treatment”.

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Along with partner, Vayu Global Health, Unitaid has provided 220 ultra-low cost, portable, electricity-free devices (bCPAP) and 125 oxygen blender systems.

According to Mr. Verhoosel, to date 25 referral facilities across Ukraine have received the life-saving devices, 17 of which are perinatal centers.

As reported by Ukrinform, referring to the UN forecast, as a result of intense hostilities since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, at least 17.7 million people will have required humanitarian assistance by the end of the year.

Photo: NICEF/Andriy Boiko