MAUTH Yola Marks 2024 WPD

...Theme: Over 13 million babies are born prematurely every year. Access to quality care everywhere

...Celebrated every year on November 17 to raise awareness about the challenges faced by preterm babies and their families, as well as to demonstrate solidarity and compassion for such families

...emphasises the need for access to prenatal care, appropriate medical resources and family support programmes that can ease the burdens of premature births

The Periscope Global 

Holding a little walk around the hospital, kitted in purple, reflecting the Day's colour, to get together with family, friends and colleagues, the paediatrics department of Modibbo Adama University Teaching Hospital, M.A.U.T.H Yola, Adamawa state Nigeria has joined the world to observe the 2024 World Prematurity Day (WPD), dedicated to raising awareness about infants born prematurely and the difficulties they face.

The World Health Organisation's (WHO), recent figures revealed that more than 13 million babies are born preterm each year, accounting for more than 10% of all live births worldwide. 

With the disturbing number of these babies succumbing to complications of prematurity, this year’s call for access to quality care comes at a critical time for newborn health. 

Held on Monday, November 18, at the O&G Seminar Room, Maternity Complex of the hospital, the sensitisation lecture underscored the importance of preventing and detecting chances of premature birth, as well as ensuring proactive care for the babies to reduce complications and encourage care for preterm babies by highlighting the risks associated with preterm birth.

Speaking on the theme of the the Day, Dr Wasinda S. Bulus HOD Paediatrics/NISONM State Focal Person, revealed that multiple pregnancies either twins, triplets or higher birth, infections such as malaria, urinary tract infections, anaemia in pregnancy, diabetes, high blood pressure, family history of prematurity and maternal age are some of the likely causes of premature birth.

In her presentation, a consultant paediatrician with M.A.U.T.H Yola, Dr Fatima Joy Baba explained some of the preterm most needs to include breastfeeding, support care, Kangaroo mother care; explained as the adequate tenderness given to the baby, access to new born care unit in hospitals, follow-up care in hospitals and family support.    

The WPD lectures have called on the healthcare providers, policymakers and communities to champion better care for preterm infants; "by advancing capacity building, advocacy, education, and research implementation, we can help mitigate the challenges of premature birth and give every baby a stronger start in life".