The Ministry of Health and Sanitation, in collaboration with partners, commemorated World Prematurity Day today at the Ola During and Princess Christian Maternity (PCM) Hospital Compound. This global event, observed annually on November 17, raises awareness of the challenges faced by preterm infants and their families.
The theme for this year, “Championing Family-Centered Care,” underscores the vital role of families in supporting the health and development of preterm babies.
Prematurity: A Global Concern
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Alie Wurie, Deputy Chief Medical Officer for Public Health, highlighted the severity of premature births. “Premature birth, defined as delivery before 37 weeks of pregnancy, remains a leading cause of death among children under five,” Dr. Wurie stated.
Citing statistics from the World Health Organization (WHO), he revealed that an estimated 15 million babies are born prematurely every year—equivalent to more than one in ten births worldwide.
Dr. Wurie emphasized the importance of this year’s theme, noting that it aims to foster collaboration between healthcare providers, researchers, and families to improve outcomes for preterm infants. “This day serves as a platform to raise awareness about the causes and consequences of preterm birth and to advocate for policies that support prevention, treatment, and care,” he added.
Innovative Interventions: Kangaroo Care and NICUs
To address the challenges of prematurity, the Ministry, with support from its partners, has introduced family-centered initiatives such as kangaroo care.
Kangaroo care, a method of skin-to-skin contact between parents and their preterm or low-birth-weight babies, is particularly beneficial in resource-limited settings. Dr. Wurie explained that research shows kangaroo care can reduce mortality by up to 25% for babies weighing less than 2 kilograms, while also decreasing the risk of infections and hypothermia.
Additionally, the establishment of Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) in hospitals across the country has significantly enhanced the care provided to critically ill and preterm infants. NICUs are equipped with advanced medical technology and staffed by highly trained professionals, ensuring specialized treatment for vulnerable newborns.
Call to Action
The Ministry of Health reaffirmed its commitment to improving the survival and development of preterm babies through enhanced policies, increased healthcare resources, and community engagement.
World Prematurity Day 2024 highlighted not only the challenges but also the progress made in addressing prematurity, emphasizing the collective effort needed to support families and save lives.
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