NICU Soldiers, an advocacy blog on Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU), on Tuesday celebrated the World Prematurity Day (WPD) at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH) to raise awareness on the challenges faced by preterm babies and their families.

The event, which was under the theme: ‘Small actions, BIG IMPACT: Immediate skin-to-skin care for every baby everywhere’ was supported by Ghandour Cosmetics Limited, a leading brand of personal care products in Ghana.

This year’s WPD celebration emphasized the importance of immediate skin-to-skin contact, also known as Kangaroo Mother Care to all infants, especially premature babies right after birth.

Dr. Kojo Ahor-Essel, a Senior Specialist Pediatrician at the KBTH NICU, said babies born before term had difficulties in maintaining warmth, feeding, and fighting infections.

‘Small actions like providing adequate nutrition, warmth, and care taken by health workers and mothers can have a big impact on the survival and development of the babies,’ he said.

He laud
ed NICU Soldiers and Ghandour Cosmetics for supporting this year’s WPD at the KBTH and called on the public to end the stigma and discrimination against preterm babies.

‘Most of the causes of preterm birth are not known, some are even beyond the control of mothers, I entreat the public to show compassion and support for families of preterm babies and celebrate their achievements with them,’ Dr Ahor-Essel said.

Ms Yasmin Mohammed, a Clinical Psychologist, also called for support for parents whose babies were on admission at the NICU, saying that this would help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression for parents with babies at the NICU.

Ms Victoria Abaka, Brand Manager at Ghandour Cosmetics, said her company’s decision to participate in the event was part of its corporate social responsibility and commitment to customer satisfaction and safety.

As part of the event, Ghandour Cosmetics distributed packs of body care, hygiene, baby care products to parents with children in the NICU at the Korle Bu Teaching Ho
spital.

Source: Ghana News Agency