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Ms Susan N. Ngongi
Ms Susan N. Ngongi

Ending preventable newborn, child deaths by 2030

Prematurity and associated complications account for about a third of all newborn deaths in Ghana. Data from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) estimates show that about 128,000 babies were born prematurely in Ghana and an estimated 8,300 under-five deaths in the country last year were associated with prematurity.

Medically, the term prematurity refers to the birth of a baby less than 37 weeks after the mother's last normal menstrual period (gestational age). It is also known as preterm birth or premature birth. Premature infants are often referred to as preemies or premmies.

Worldwide annual event
World Prematurity Day was first observed in Europe in 2008, and has since evolved into a worldwide annual observance on November 17 each year to raise awareness of preterm birth and the concerns of preterm babies and their families worldwide.

The event aims to raise awareness of the issues associated with preterm birth and also spread information about how to help and support affected families.
Each year, about 15 million babies – which is about 10 per cent of all babies – are born prematurely around the world. Diabetes, high blood pressure, smoking and obesity increase the risk of giving birth prematurely.

Preterm babies are highly susceptible to difficulty in breathing and infections, which are significant threats to their lives. Moreover, preterm infants who survive often have significant health problems such as poor growth, disorders of cognitive development and other long-term health and developmental challenges, amongst others.
Mothers and caregivers of preterm babies are also psychologically affected from the pain, stigma and stress that bearing a preterm presents.

Raising awareness
World Prematurity Day is, therefore, commemorated annually to raise awareness of the heavy burden of death and disability, the psychological stress, and the pain and suffering that preterm birth causes to parents, families, communities and nations at large.

A statement from UNICEF to mark the event this year quoted the UNICEF Representative in Ghana, Susan N. Ngongi, as saying, “Many of these deaths could be avoided by simple practices such as handwashing with soap and water, exclusive breastfeeding and keeping the newborn warm.”

Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC), a simple but proven method that saves preterm babies, has come to be the standard care for preterm newborns. KMC significantly reduces complications due to prematurity such as hypothermia (low body temperature) and reduces the risk of death by 50 per cent.

The statement also quoted the Deputy Director of Reproductive and Child Health at the Ghana Health Service, Dr Isabella Sagoe-Moses, as saying, “KMC is a cost-effective intervention that supports preterm babies to survive, but the emotional support that caregivers require from health workers and family members contributes to make a difference.”

Mortality rate
Despite continuing advances in the medical treatment of preemies, they have a higher mortality rate than babies born at a later stage of the pregnancy. Premature infants are also at a greater risk of being affected by a number of disorders and diseases.

In addition to the specific health and developmental requirements of preemies, the parents and family members of premature babies often need emotional and psychological guidance.
Action and support groups organise local events and media campaigns to raise awareness of premature birth and to inform the public about ways to provide support for family members of preemies.

UNICEF is working with the Ghana Health Service and the Paediatric Society of Ghana to harness multi-stakeholder support towards accelerating the achievement of the global goal to end preventable newborn and child deaths by 2030.

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