Kumasi South Hospital Marks World Prematurity Day, Urges Equitable Care for Preterm Babies

Kumasi South Hospital has joined the global community to commemorate World Prematurity Day, emphasizing the need for equitable care for every preterm infant. The event, organized by the hospital’s Mother and Baby Unit, featured a public sensitization walk through the principal streets of Atonsu, Ahinsan, and Agogo Market, aimed at raising awareness on prematurity and the challenges faced by preterm babies.

Speaking at the occasion, Neonatal Nurse Specialist Madam Josephine Osei Tonto highlighted the progress made in the care of preterm babies at the hospital. According to her, out of 84 preterm babies delivered between January and November this year, only four had died, a reflection of the significant improvement in neonatal care and interventions designed to save the lives of vulnerable infants.

Madam Albertina Agyemang, a Neonatal Nurse at the hospital, took the opportunity to educate mothers on the importance of preventing premature births. She advised expectant mothers to avoid activities and lifestyle practices that could contribute to early labor, emphasizing proper antenatal care as a critical factor in safeguarding the health of both mother and child.

Meanwhile, Claudia Akosua Asante, Senior Midwifery Officer at the hospital, appealed to government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and private stakeholders to provide financial support for preterm babies. She explained that additional resources would enhance the hospital’s capacity to deliver specialized care, purchase essential equipment, and provide life-saving interventions for premature infants.

The celebration at Kumasi South Hospital aligns with the global World Prematurity Day campaign, which seeks to raise awareness about the challenges preterm babies face and to promote better healthcare practices to reduce neonatal mortality worldwide.