Ready.Step.Grow

In Australia, 7.6% of births are considered preterm, that is, approximately 1 in 13 babies are born less that 37 weeks gestation. In real numbers, it equates to approximately 25,000 births every year. This is comparable to the global rate of 10% but the implications are still very significant. “Prematurity is the world’s single biggest cause of newborn death, and the second leading cause of all child deaths, after pneumonia. Many of the preterm babies who survive face a lifetime of disability.” RSG answers the call to action by United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon in his foreword to the Global Action Report on Preterm Birth "Born Too Soon" 2012 who describes: “the fundamental reality that what has been lacking in this effort is the will, not the techniques, technologies or science. We know what to do. And we all have a role to play. Let us act on the findings and recommendations of this report. Let us change the future for millions of babies born too soon, for their mothers and families, and indeed for entire countries. Enabling infants to survive and thrive is an imperative for building the future we want.” With this knowledge, comes a responsibility to help parents to create enriched and supportive environments as early as possible because it is critical to their preterm child’s future. And that is exactly what RSG strives to do: empower parents of prems.