UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals today announced a $100 million global initiative to address the epidemic of premature birth, the leading cause of death for newborns and the second leading cause of death for children under five. The 10-year, global initiative will be jointly funded by Lynne and Marc Benioff in partnership with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Approximately 15 million babies are born premature each year, and more than one million of these infants die within the first 28 days after birth due to complications of prematurity. UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals will lead a collaborative global effort aimed at reducing the number of children born premature, and protecting the health of preterm babies and women around the world.

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