21 Nov 2017

World Prematurity Day commemoration promotes the importance of reducing child mortality and improving maternal health. 

Speaking at the World Prematurity Day commemoration at Gaborone Bus Rank recently, Princess Marina Referral Hospital superintendent, Dr Seeletso Nchingane noted that 40 per cent of infant mortality rate was attributable to neonatal mortality currently estimated to be 34/1000 live births, noting that it was now the right time to reduce pre-term births and preventable deaths from complications.

Dr Nchingane said 124 deaths were recorded in 2014, and 144 deaths were recorded in 2015 and one of the major cause of these mortalities was  prematurity. 

“This year, Princess Marina Hospital alone has recorded 371 premature babies thus far, 192 males and 179 females. 

Of these, 48 had a birth weight of less than 900g while 323 were 900g-190g,” he said.

He said a large portion of these premature infants did well, but some continue to face multiple challenges as they grow up with chronic medical conditions like cerebral palsy, hearing and visual complications.

Dr Nchingane stated that prematurity was escalating worldwide, but the public was largely not aware of pre-term births, care and the risks involved in the development of pre-term infants.

He said it was important to promote and intensify women and girls education, do away with negative cultural practices and even stigmatising those who had experienced premature births.

Dr Nchingane further said it was vital to scale up key interventions that include prevention of adolescent pregnancy, care during pregnancy, skilled delivery, early initiation and exclusive breast feeding, early postnatal care including kangaroo mother care as well as management of pre-term complications.

He said efforts were being made as Botswana had existing measures to prevent and treat pre-term complications, that is, free antenatal health, safe motherhood initiative and skilled manpower.

“This is the right time to intensify quality care to all women and newborns so that they are healthy, thrive and ultimately contribute to the development of their country,” he said.

For her part, Nursing Unit manager for pediatric ward, Ms Margaret Kagiso said they were raising awareness on premature births and its cause to make the public understand this issue.

She mentioned that Princess Marina Referral Hospital, together with other stakeholders remained at the forefront to raise awareness on the complications of pre-term babies and the lifelong health challenges the pre-term babies faced, the poor life quality they live and care they need.

Ms Kagiso said pediatric unit provided quality service to all parenting mothers thus making a difference for the pre-term babies.

She said applauded doctors, nurses, midwives, dieticians, social workers and all health professionals who are involved for the care of these children. ENDS