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.