Theme: Give preterm babies a strong start for a brighter future
As we mark this year’s World
Prematurity Day, we are reminded of the urgent need to rally collective action
to safeguard the future of our most vulnerable newborns. All hands must be on
deck to give these vulnerable babies a brighter future with little or no morbidity
or disability, so that they can attain their maximum potential. Every year, 13.4
million babies are born too soon (born before 37 completed weeks of pregnancy).
Tragically, about 900,000 of these babies die annually, and more than 65% of
these deaths occur in Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa. The majority of those who survive
have lifelong disabilities.
The short and long-term outcomes
of preterm babies can be improved by performing some simple, cost-effective interventions.
These include appropriate and timely antenatal care, antenatal corticosteroids,
immediate kangaroo mother care for thermal care, early feeding with mother’s
own milk, treatment of infections and jaundice. Adequate respiratory support, including surfactant administration, early commencement of continuous positive airway pressure support (from the delivery room), judicious use of oxygen, and caffeine citrate, are also key.
In addition to these
interventions, governments and stakeholders must invest in adequate monitoring
devices, oxygen blenders, CPAP machines and human capacity building. Beyond
survival, our preterm babies must also thrive. Early screening for retinopathy
of prematurity and deafness, timely immunizations, growth monitoring, parental
involvement and adequate follow-up are important to give these vulnerable
babies a brighter future.
Preterm birth is not just a
medical challenge—it is a call to action. Let us unite across sectors and
disciplines to give every preterm baby the strong, healthy start they deserve.
Together, we can build a future where these
children not only survive but thrive.
Prof.
Iretiola Fajolu
President,
Nigerian Society of Neonatal Medicine
