By Esther Patrick Enna
Stakeholders in the health sector across Nasarawa State have called for increased awareness, support, and collective action to address the challenges of preterm birth in the state.
They made the call on the sideline of the twenty twenty five World Prematurity Day at the Paediatric Department, Federal University Teaching Hospital, FUTH, Lafia under the theme: ‘Give Preterm Babies a Strong Start for a Brighter Future’.
World Prematurity Day is observed annually on November 17, with paediatricians and health professionals urged to strengthen health systems to provide early interventions, family-centered support, and equitable access to essential services.
The Chief Medical Director of FUTH, Lafia, Dr. Ikrama Hassan, encouraged parents to provide proper care for preterm babies, emphasizing that such care offers them life, hope, and the opportunity to dream.
He commended the Paediatrics Department for its tireless efforts, describing it as one of the busiest units in the hospital.
Speaking on the significance of the day, the Emir of Azara, Dr. Kabiru Musa Ibrahim, noted that in many cultures, preterm babies are stigmatized and their mothers unfairly blamed.
Dr. Kabiru, a consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist at FUTH, urged parents in Nasarawa State to abandon harmful cultural beliefs that hinder healthcare access for preterm babies and to stop blaming mothers for preterm birth conditions.
Consultant Paediatricians: Dr. Surajudeen Bello and Dr. Hadizatu Aliyu appealed for more specialized care and equipment to save the lives of preterm infants.
While highlighting challenges such as inadequate equipment, limited access to specialized care, and high patient workloads, they called on government bodies, NGOs, and individuals to support efforts to provide quality care for these vulnerable patients.
In his welcome address, Head of the Paediatrics Department, Dr. Sunday Ozhe Ikukpla’si, urged parents of preterm babies to follow medical advice to help their children survive and thrive, emphasizing that collective efforts can save lives.
Preterm parents Mrs. Zainab Magaji and Mr. Matthew David Ipashi shared their experiences and thanked God for the gift of their children.
Some of the preterm children: Alamin, Auwal (twins), and Judith, also expressed gratitude to their parents and medical caregivers for helping them survive.
Edited by JOEY Anzaku
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