2024 World Prematurity Day: Experts call for partnership, funding for preterm care

Efunbo Dosekun, co-founder of Babies Matter Medical Centre, has urged governments to partner with specialised Neonatal healthcare providers to improve care for premature babies.

Ms Dosekun made the call on Sunday in Lagos at a programme organised by the BMMC to commemorate the 2024 World Prematurity Day.

World Prematurity Day is held every November 17 globally. The day is set aside to raise awareness about infants born prematurely and the difficulties they face.

The World Health Organisation says no fewer than 13 million babies are born prematurely yearly, highlighting the global disparities in healthcare and calls for universal access to high-quality care for preterm babies, regardless of their birth circumstances or location.

Preterm birth remains a leading cause of death for children under five, and many who survive face lifelong disabilities due to inadequate healthcare.

Ms Dosekun said, “Preterm babies are very tiny babies. Caring for them can be quite difficult, especially if they are less than 28 weeks and a lot of times, it’s a twin pregnancy or triplet pregnancy, where these babies come out early.

“About 20 years ago, the death rate for premature babies was high, but with the advent of modern technology and better understanding of these tiny babies, things are getting better for the good.”

Ms Dosekun added, “At BMMC, we have advanced Neonatal Intensive Care Unit with specialised medical personnel and the service we render is not different from what you will get in developed countries like the UK or U.S.

“We are using this opportunity to reach out to the government on our readiness to work and partner with them to save the lives of more preterm babies.”

(NAN)