Africa-Press – Botswana. Over 13 million babies are born prematurely worldwide each year, raising significant health concerns for infants and highlighting the urgent need for awareness and effective healthcare solutions.
Dr Unangoni Bulawayo, a pediatrician at Nyangabgwe Referral Hospital, shared the statistics during the World Prematurity Day commemoration held in Francistown on Friday.
Dr Bulawayo emphasised that prematurityiwas a leading cause of infant mortality and disability. “Prematurity is defined as when a baby is born too early, specifically three weeks or more before their due date,” she explained.
Several contributing factors to prematurity were addressed by Dr Bulawayo, including infections, high blood pressure, smoking, alcohol consumption, and domestic violence.
She stressed the vulnerability of preterm infants, who were at risk of serious health complications such as respiratory, heart, brain, and immune system issues. Notably, the impacts of prematurity extend beyond infancy, affecting individuals into adulthood.
Healthcare professionals, including Dr Naomi Onyango, head of the Pediatrics department at Nyangabgwe Hospital, echoed Dr Bulawayo’s call for enhanced healthcare measures. “Our goal is to raise awareness about prematurity and the challenges it presents,” Dr Onyango stated. “We aim to educate the public about preterm births, care requirements, and associated risks for the development of premature infants.”
Dr Onyango also emphasised the importance of breaking the stigma surrounding prematurity and providing women with the knowledge to reduce the occurrence of preterm births.
Ms Lulwamani Philime, Principal Registered Nurse at Nyangabgwe Hospital, noted the current state of healthcare access in Botswana, stating, “There is access to healthcare facilities within a radius of 15 km, despite a shortage of healthcare workers in the country.”
She highlighted the provision of quality Antenatal Care (ANC) across health facilities and community outreach services to engage expectant mothers.
“Mothers are encouraged to register for ANC as soon as they realise they are pregnant,” Ms Philime added, underscoring the importance of early intervention.
Additionally, she mentioned the availability of high-risk clinics in the northern part of Botswana, including Masunga Primary Hospital, that cater to specific needs in managing advanced cases of prematurity.
Sharing her personal experience, Dr Tuelo Mudongo from Nyangabgwe Hospital, who is a mother of two premature babies, described the emotional challenges of navigating prematurity. “It’s a painful ordeal, but seeing children overcome such significant health challenges is truly inspiring,” she remarked.
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