November 17 is celebrated globally as World Prematurity Day. Preterm babies are described as babies born before the 37-week gestation pregnancy period.
The Global Action Report on prematurity states that almost 111,500 preterm babies were born in 2010 with about 7800 babies losing their lives out of complications. Health experts say that 75% of preterm deaths are avoidable only if caregivers are taught how to handle preterm babies well and health facilities are well-resourced.
Preterm babies also increase the financial, psychological, and emotional burden on families. Therefore, affected families should be assisted and counselled on how to cater for the child.
In order to prevent hypothermia, one of the major complications of preterms, skin-to-skin contact between the baby and the parent or guardian is adopted known as Kangaroo Care.
Some recommendations by health experts on the reduction of preterm births include comprehensive family planning, empowerment of women and adolescent girls, and enhanced quality healthcare.
SOURCE: Daily Graphic, Page 7
DATE: 24th November 2022
