Why is the rate of premature births so high in this community? While premature babies born in the West have an excellent chance of survival — particularly those born after 32 weeks gestation, or at around 8 months — it's not the same in low-income countries. The World Health Organization says some half of all premature babies born in poor countries at around 32 weeks are likely to die. Her team selected 108 samples of feces collected from the area around Rehri Goth over the past two decades. But Mariam can't even afford formula, which sells for about $2.50 for a small packet in Rehri Goth.