Final answer:
The WHO defines prematurity as an infant born before 37 weeks of gestation, which makes the statement false. Preterm infants may have health risks due to underdeveloped organ systems and are at higher risk of having low birth weight, which can increase early mortality.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that the World Health Organization (WHO) defines prematurity as an infant who has a gestational age less than 35 weeks is false. According to various health resources, preterm birth typically refers to a baby born before 37 weeks of gestation, not 35 weeks. Moreover, full-term infants are defined as those born between 36 and 40 weeks of gestation. Prematurity is a significant health concern because preterm infants lack the necessary time for complete growth and development in the uterus, which can lead to a lower birth weight and other health risks. Specifically, infants born preterm are of higher risk for conditions stemming from underdeveloped organ systems, notably the respiratory and nervous systems. A low birth weight, defined as being under 2.5 kilograms, or 5.5 pounds, regardless of gestational age, is another condition that increases the likelihood of mortality shortly after birth.