• Preterm infants with a birth weight of ≤1,500 g (very low birth weight, VLBW).

• Preterm infants born at less than 30 weeks of gestation.

With advances in neonatal medical technology in Taiwan, the survival rate of infants born with a birth weight of less than 1,500 grams has increased significantly and now approaches 90%. Since its establishment in 1992, our foundation has been dedicated to promoting education and advocacy for the prevention and care of preterm birth. Following the implementation of Taiwan's National Health Insurance program, we have actively directed donated funds toward the long-term follow-up care of VLBW preterm infants. Our primary objective is to establish and support a Level II follow-up outpatient clinic system that ensures early identification and timely intervention for VLBW infants and very preterm infants born before 30 weeks of gestation. This program aims to minimize the long-term impact of prematurity-related complications on child development while providing families with the guidance and support they need.

• Taiwan's first longitudinal follow-up program and database dedicated to VLBW preterm infants.

• A nationwide follow-up network that tracks enrolled infants from birth to two years of corrected age.

• A sustainable, long-term program supported by a charitable foundation.

As of 2024, the program had enrolled a total of 31,129 infants and completed 72,322 cumulative follow-up assessments.

• The core hospitals in the follow-up network have enrolled more than 70% of all VLBW infants born in Taiwan.

• The average follow-up rate at corrected ages of 6, 12, and 24 months has reached 85%.

• Approximately 60% f infants are referred for further evaluation or intervention based on the results of a comprehensive assessment.

The overall survival rate of enrolled preterm infants increased from 81.3% in 1995 to 91.6% in 2023.

• Average satisfaction rate among participating families: 96.2%.

• Average satisfaction rate among medical team: 94.2%.

• Invited to present at the Korean Neonatal Network (KNN) in 2019, contributing to the implementation of a dedicated case manager system and improved follow-up rates for preterm infants.

• Invited to present the experience of an NGO-led preterm infant follow-up program at the APEC and FAOPS international conferences in 2024.

• Published more than 40 peer-reviewed journal articles.

• Early detection and timely intervention for the medical, growth, and developmental needs of preterm infants.

• Establishment of comprehensive long-term follow-up care services of VLBW preterm infants.

• Improved survival rate among preterm infants.