World Prematurity Day: LUTH celebrates impacts of medical services
Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), has celebrated the impacts of medical services rendered to prematured babies delivered in its facilities.
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The Chief Medical Director of LUTH, Idi-Araba in Lagos State, Prof Wasiu Adeyemo, said this at an event to commemorate 2023 World Prematurity Day on Friday.
Adeyemo, who was represented by Dr Rufus Ojewola, Deputy Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee (CMAC), said LUTH had done a lot in taking care of preterm babies.
“The hospital took care of preterm babies from Lagos State and from teaching hospitals outside Lagos because LUTH has a dedicated neonatal unit and staff that can take care of such babies.”
Prof. Abiola Oduwole, the Head of Department, Paediatrics, said Nov. 17 has been dedicated yearly as the day for creating awareness about preterm babies.
Oduwole said that in olden days when a baby was born preterm, the baby may not survive but with improvements in science, facilities and equipment, more preterm babies are surviving.
He added, “What we want to tell the world is that being a preterm does not mean the end of life but beginning of experience of the world that will give you the best.”
According to Prof. Chinyere Ezeaka, the Head of Newborn Unit, LUTH, Nov. 17 was set aside to recognize preterm champions who are vulnerable newborn but leaders of tomorrow.
Ezeaka said that the day is to recognize issues pertaining to preterm babies and their families.
The theme of this year’s preterm babies day is: “Small Actions, BIG IMPACT.”
“Immediate Skin-to-Skin Care for Every Baby Everywhere says we’re all stakeholders and everyone should make a difference.
“It’s not just recognizing the day but what we are going to change, how are we going to galvanize more efforts toward their care, health insurance, more equipment so that preterm babies will survive,” she said.
Also, Dr Iretiola Fajolu, the Consultant, Newborn Unit, LUTH, said that the theme of this year’s celebration focuses on care, there are little things that we can do to improve their survival.
Fajolu said that these little actions that are simple and cost effective goes a long way in improving survival of preterm babies.
