As the global community marks world Prematurity day, the Lagos state University Teaching Hospital is joining Voices in calling for essential care for women and newborn care for every baby and highlighting the benefits of methods that save lives such as immediate skin-to-skin contact and Kangaroo Mother Care.
World Prematurity Day is celebrated every November 17th and this years theme: Small Actions, BIG IMPACT: Immediate Skin-to-Skin Care for Every Baby, Everywhere, hopes to provide guidelines for the care of newborns, particularly those born prematurely or with low birth weight, training health and community workers and equipping families about preterm.
Speaking at the event to mark the day in Lagos, the head of newborn unit in LUTH, Professor Chinyere Ezeaka said the day is celebrated to raise awareness about preterm birth challenges and their consequences, while promoting early detection during pregnancy for advanced medical treatments, empower parents, and reduce long-term impacts on children and their families.