University of Ghana Hospital Celebrates World Prematurity Day

The Paediatric Unit of the University of Ghana Hospital has marked the 2019 World Prematurity Day by celebrating pre-term babies delivered in the hospital over the last year. The celebration, which was under the theme, “Born Too Soon: Providing the Right Care, at the Right Time in the Right Place” took place at the Antenatal Ward of the University hospital on Tuesday, November 26, 2019 to congratulate parents, delightful pre-term babies and hardworking staff who helped in the survival of the babies.

The University of Ghana Hospital has managed forty-four (44) babies which comprised two sets of triplets and a set of twins delivered pre-term over the last one (1) year. However, four of the babies were lost in the process of treatment.

Dr. Eugenia Ofori Adjei

Dr. Eugenia Ofori Adjei, former Head of the Paediatric Unit, chaired the ceremony. In her opening remarks, she encouraged parents to bring their wards to the Paediatric Unit because the unit has the requisite equipment to facilitate the survival of the babies. She was optimistic that the unit could achieve greater feats with the help of trained nurses and paediatricians.

In brief remarks, Dr. Emefa Addo, a Medical Doctor at the Paediatric Unit, noted that infection, hypertension in pregnancy, diabetes in pregnancy, multiple gestation, stress in mothers and anaemia in pregnancy were some major causes of prematurity in babies. She indicated that the unit provides warmth, treats infection, aids in respiration, and monitors the babies with incubators for their survival.

Mrs. Phoebi Addo-Perbi, a Matron at the Paediatric Unit in her remarks, recounted that irritability, warm temperature, rapid breathing and diarrhoea are signs of infection. She encouraged hand washing and breast feeding as ways to control infection to help in the survival of the baby.

Dr. Abena Agyeiwaa Tetteh, Senior Medical Officer at the University Hospital, in her closing remarks, solicited for equipment from the University Administration and volunteers to improve the work done in the unit.

World Prematurity Day is celebrated 17th November every year to celebrate pre-terms all over the world. About fifteen (15) million babies are born prematurely each year before thirty- seven (37) weeks.

Present at the ceremony were medical doctors, nurses, paediatricians, and parents of pre-term babies.

Cross-section of participants at the ceremony