By Esenvosa Izah
Lagos – A Non-Governmental Organisation, Blue Baby Support Initiative, says it is raising awareness through health education to drastically reduce and possibly eradicate deaths resulting from prematurity.
The organisation’s Founder, Mrs Aisha Ogieriakhi, made this known in a statement on Wednesday in Lagos to commemorate the World Prematurity day marked annually on Nov. 17.
Ogieriakhi also urged Nigerians to join efforts and remain resolute in supporting pre-term babies in the country.
“We are also calling on stakeholders to devote more energy and resources toward children’s social welfare, including healthcare and quality education, among others.
“There is no equitable distribution of human resources between the urban and rural areas.
“We believe that material, maternal, infant mortality, as well as unnecessary preventable deaths can be reduced to its barest minimum through collaborative efforts between government and the people.
“We call on Nigerians to join efforts and remain resolute in supporting pre-term babies, children with health challenges, young pregnant mothers and ultimately stand in the gap for the disadvantaged in the society,’’ she said.
Ogieriakhi said that more than 60 per cent of pre-term births occurred in Africa and South Asia and Nigeria is ranked third among 10 countries with the greatest number of pre-term births.
“India has 3,519,100; China, 1,172,300; Nigeria 773,600; Pakistan, 748,100; Indonesia, 675,700; U.S., 517,400; Bangladesh, 424,100; Philipines, 348,900; Democratic Republic of the Congo, 341,400 and Brazil, 279,300,’’ she said.
The founder, quoting the World Health Organisation (WHO), said that an estimated 15 million babies were born too early every year; that is, more than one in 10 babies.
“Approximately, one million children die each year due to complications of pre-term births.
“Many survivors face a lifetime of disabilities, including learning disabilities, and visual and hearing problems.
“Globally, prematurity is the leading cause of deaths in children under the ages of five years; and in almost all countries with reliable data, pre-term birth rates are increasing,’’ she said.
Ogieriakhi said that preventing deaths and complications from pre-term birth starts with a healthy pregnancy.
According to her, quality care before, between and during pregnancies will ensure all women have a positive pregnancy experience.
“WHO’s antenatal care guidelines include key interventions to help prevent pre-term births, such as counselling on healthy diet and optimal nutrition.
“Also, counselling on tobacco and substance use; fetal measurements including use of ultrasound to help determine gestational age and detect multiple pregnancies.
“Others include a minimum of eight contacts with health professionals throughout pregnancy, to identify and manage other risk factors, such as infections.
“Better access to contraceptives and increased empowerment could also help reduce pre-term births, “ the founder said.