On November 17 each year, the world observes World Prematurity Day, a day created to raise awareness of pre-term births.
This year, Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, MLW, and other health key partners celebrated this day together in a walkathon and an event that was held at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (QECH).
Speaking after the walkathon which started from Blantyre town to QECH, the Head of the Neonatal Unit at QECH Dr. Kondwani Kawaza of Kamuzu University of Health Sciences who is also Head of the Neonatal Unit at QECH said this day is a reminder of the babies who are born too early and the health challenges they can face as they grow up if they are not given quality care after birth.
In her testimony, one of the participants Veronica Banda said she was delighted to encourage mothers who have pre-term babies.
“52 years ago, I was a pre-term here at Queens. I believe my story is miraculous because I was born at a time when technology and innovations were out of the question. I was only able to survive because of the maximum care which was given by the health experts here at QECH,” Banda said.
Banda pleaded with the pre-term mothers to follow all the instructions given by the medical caregivers.
According to Dr. Kawaza, out of the 5000 babies born each year at QECH, about one-third are born prematurely. About 30% – 40% of this one-third do not make it out alive. Dr. Kawaza said these statistics should encourage unity amongst healthcare workers to ensure maximum care for pre-terms.
Matron for Chatinkha Ward Edith Tewesa said “These little ones need unconditional love and support from their parents, caregivers, and the government, and this day is a chance to show it. The day should be seen as an opportunity to raise awareness for millions of pre-terms in the world.”
MLW’s Research Nurse Helen Mangochi said she dedicates her time to ensuring the safety of the pre-term babies.
“Our focus together is on saving newborn lives, ensuring maximum care and life-saving interventions for pre-term babies. We work hand in hand with the Ministry of Health, QECH, and other hospitals to achieve this” explained Mangochi.
Figures from 2015 indicate that 1 out of 10 babies in Malawi are born prematurely.
2022’s theme for World Prematurity Day was ‘A parent’s embrace, a powerful therapy’. It focused on encouraging parents and preterm babies to bond through skin-to-skin holding also known as Kangaroo Care.
