Prematurity, the leading cause of deaths in children- Expert
By Abiodun Azi
A Consultant Neonatologist, Prof. Beatrice Ezeaka, on Wednesday said that prematurity has continued to be a leading cause of deaths in children under five years old.
Ezeaka, spoke at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi-Araba, Lagos, during an event to mark the 2021 World Prematurity Day (WPD).
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that WPD has been celebrated annually since Nov. 17, 2009 and the theme for the2021 commemoration is“Zero Separation. Act Now! Keep Parents and Babies Born Too Soon Together”.
Ezeaka, who is also the Head of Neonatal Unit of LUTH, said that every year an estimated 15 million babies were born preterm and the number continues to rise.
According to her, Nigeria has the highest number of newborn deaths in Africa and the second highest in the world.
She said that the direct causes of preterm births are not immediately identifiable in many instances but sizeable proportions are known and preventable.
Ezeaka said that trained manpower for care of preterm birth and nutrition were key and remain ways of moving forward.
“Preterm births are better prevented through community education and better utilisation of antenatal care services.
“Prolonged skin to skin care (Kangaroo Mother Care) is an evidenced based low cost innovation that is exceptionally effective.
“There is a great need for intensive advocacy and awareness creation for all stakeholders, government, health care workers, NGOs, communities and families to take steps to prevent preterm births where possible.
“We need to support the care of such babies, improve health systems and save lives of the leaders of tomorrow,” the professor said.
Also speaking, Mr Chris Oputa, the CEO of Studio 24 and Purple Baby Project Team Leader, said that preterm births had reduced in Nigeria through advocacy and awareness.
According to him, technology is available to save preterm babies.
“A lot of training has to go on. There should be training on new technologies and safe practices in managing preterm babies.
“Everyone should get involved,” he said.
Oputa urged the media to be fully involved because they have a major role to play in the management of preterm births.
NAN reports that the highlight of the occasion was the formal launching of the Purple Baby Project @Studio 24: National newborn Advocacy Group.
(NAN)
