Each year around 140 million babies are born around the world. Of these about 15 million are born too early and need extra care in their first weeks of life.

The World Health Organization has pledged to reduce the deaths of newborn babies and infants during their first year of life by 2030. One simple way at birth to improve the chances of survival by 30% is to provide the babies with their own blood from the placenta.

During the first weeks of life, babies born too early or who are ill need non-invasive monitoring and medicines which are approved for use in their age groups. Parents are increasingly involved in the care of their sick infants to reduce stress and improve long term health outcomes.

Professor Rabe covers recent advances in improving neonatal care during the first weeks of life.

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