Editorial
Preterm babies, mothers need support
World Prematurity Day, is observed annually on November 17 to raise global awareness of the challenges associated with preterm birth, and celebrates the lives of preterm infants.
A baby is deemed preterm or too early if it is born before 37 weeks of pregnancy.
The theme of this year’s celebration was “Small Actions, BIG IMPACT: Immediate Skin-to-Skin Care for Every Baby, Everywhere,” also referred to as “Kangaroo Mother Care.”
Experts say that premature birth can result in serious complications and long-term health issues for the baby.
Preterm birth is projected to be the largest cause of death for children under five worldwide, accounting for one in ten births, or 15 million premature newborns born annually.
According to experts, preterm babies may have long-term intellectual and developmental impairments. They may result in difficulties or delays in a person’s physical growth.
Compared to children who were delivered at term, preterm infants are more likely to have lower cognitive quotients, academic success scores, more difficulty in school, and a larger need for educational support.
Conditions like eating issues and asthma are more likely to arise or persist.
In order to raise awareness of the difficulties faced by preterm babies and their families, The Spectator applauds the efforts of NICU Soldiers, an advocacy blog on Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU), and Ghandour Cosmetics, who celebrated World Prematurity Day (WPD) at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH).
According to Dr. Kojo Ahor-Essel, Senior Specialist Pediatrician at the KBTH NICU, keeping warm, eating, and fending off infections were challenges for babies born before term.
He stated that “small actions taken by health workers and mothers, like providing adequate nutrition, warmth, and care, can have a big impact on the survival and development of the babies.”
He urged the public to put an end to the stigma and discrimination against preterm babies and praised NICU Soldiers and Ghandour Cosmetics for supporting this year’s WPD at the KBTH.
“I implore the public to be compassionate toward and supportive of preterm baby families, as well as to join them in celebrating their accomplishments,” he added.
The Spectator also calls on corporate institutions, individuals, Non-Governmental Organisations (ngos), government, and the media to work together to increase public awareness of preterm births in order to spur action that will ultimately save the lives of babies.
This, we believe, will prevent preterm births, enhance healthcare systems, and improve governmental policies.
It is important to help mothers whose babies are admitted to the NICU in order to lessen their stress levels.
Dear Editor,
It is often said that a healthy nation is a wealthy nation. However, this saying becomes worrying when the health of citizens is threatened by the conditions under which the food they consume daily is sold.
In Ghana, the conditions under which food is sold is quite disturbing. Over the years, I have observed that the environments where food is prepared and sold are often unhygienic.
In many cases, containers holding food such as rice and waakye are left uncovered or not properly covered, exposing them to contamination.
While many Ghanaians paid little attention in the past to the conditions under which food was sold, the narrative seems to be changing in recent years.
I recall an incident during my days in Senior High School (S.H.S.) when my friends and I went out to buy food. At one location, some of us chose not to buy because we assumed the food would be expensive due to how neat the place looked.
Unfortunately, we ended up purchasing food from a different place that was somewhat unhygienic. We overlooked the poor conditions because we believed the quantity offered was better than at the cleaner location.
However, I am certain that my friends and I would not repeat such a mistake today, as we now understand the health implications of that decision.
While public education is important in addressing this issue, I believe it is time for regulatory and law enforcement agencies, such as the Food and Drug Authority (FDA), to crack the whip on food sellers and vendors who operate in unhygienic environments and conditions.
As citizens, we must also be mindful of where we buy our food to protect ourselves and our families from diseases and illnesses. We should choose ‘quality’ over ‘quantity’ and prioritize our health.
From Syram
Oyarifa
Dear Editor,
I write to express concern and call for improved security measures before and after every football match.
The recent robbery attack that led to the tragic death of a player, on their return from a Match day 29 game against Samartex, is both shocking and heartbreaking.
The incident, which reportedly occurred around 10:30 p.m., highlights the growing risks faced by players and team officials while traveling.
Football is meant to unite and entertain, not to expose lives to danger. It is therefore imperative that authorities, the Ghana Football Association, and security agencies put in place adequate protection for teams, especially during late-night travels.
I strongly urge all stakeholders to treat this matter with urgency to prevent such unfortunate incidents from recurring.
From Eugene Ampiaw
Accra
