Sancti Spiritus, November 18 (RHC)-- Over 75 percent of premature children in Cuba are saved, said Doctor Andres Morrilla, head of the National Neonatology Department.

During a forum on premature births, in central Sancti Spiriuts city, the doctor said the achievement is thanks to the effective intensive care services received by those children.

Participants at the forum learned that 5.5 percent of births in Cuba take place before 37 weeks of pregnancy, due to diseases or certain life styles of pregnant women.

Diabetes Mellitus, high blood pressure, kidney or heart conditions are among the most frequent causes for premature births, while the smoking habit, alcohol consumption and poor diet are other causes as well.

Participants insisted in the development of preventive actions at the primary healthcare services to prevent premature births, which always bring about a risk to the lives of the newborn.