St. Martins Catholic Hospital at Manso Agroyesum in the Amansie South District has joined global efforts to draw attention to the needs of preterm babies as it celebrated this year’s World Prematurity Awareness Month. The event, held under the theme “Equitable Care for Every Preterm Baby,” underscored the hospital’s commitment to enhancing neonatal healthcare and reducing preventable newborn deaths.
The celebration brought together healthcare professionals, community leaders, mothers of preterm babies, caregivers, and stakeholders to intensify community education on the risks associated with prematurity and the importance of early antenatal care. Health experts also educated participants on maternal nutrition, early pregnancy assessments, and the need for prompt treatment of pregnancy-related complications.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Senior Nurse Manager of the hospital, Rev. Sister Mary Assumptal Taabuzuing, confirmed that St. Martins Catholic Hospital recorded a total of 66 preterm cases this year, out of which three were confirmed deaths. She described these figures as part of ongoing monitoring efforts at the facility, noting that the hospital has seen a marked reduction in preterm mortality compared to previous years.
According to Rev. Sister Mary, the improvement is the result of deliberate strategies and strengthened neonatal interventions put in place by the hospital. These include the availability of functioning incubators, skilled neonatal specialists, and routine clinical reviews aimed at closely monitoring the growth and health conditions of vulnerable newborns.
She emphasized the hospital’s continued commitment to educating mothers whose babies are born prematurely. Through structured guidance, mothers are trained on feeding techniques, kangaroo mother care, hygiene practices, and follow-up systems that ensure the survival and healthy development of their babies even after leaving the facility.
Chairman for the event, Mr. Kwaku Abone, commended the hospital’s management and staff for their dedication to saving lives, especially in a district where access to advanced neonatal care remains limited. He appealed to corporate bodies, philanthropists, and development partners to support the facility with more incubators, neonatal monitors, and essential equipment needed to advance preterm care.
Several mothers who benefited from the hospital’s neonatal services shared emotional testimonies during the ceremony. They expressed profound gratitude to the nurses, specialists, and administrators for their compassion, professionalism, and unwavering support throughout their challenging journeys.
St. Martins Catholic Hospital reaffirmed its commitment to providing equitable and life-saving care to every preterm baby. The facility also urged community members and stakeholders to work together to ensure that newborns—especially those born prematurely—receive the timely and quality healthcare they deserve.
