The Fortitude Child Support Foundation (FCSF), in collaboration with the Shai Osudoku District Hospital (SODH), has commemorated the 2024 World Prematurity Day with a two-day event at Dodowa in the Greater  Accra region.

Under the theme, "Breaking Barriers: Access to Quality Care Everywhere," the celebration aimed to shed light on preterm birth challenges while promoting improved neonatal care and community awareness. 

Health Walk and Awareness Float

The event commenced on Thursday November 14, 2024, with a health walk and float through the streets of Dodowa. Participants, including healthcare workers, community members, and volunteers, walked in solidarity to create awareness about prematurity. 

The  campaign included education on preterm birth causes, management, and prevention, and was a first for the Dodowa community.  Relevant educational materials were distributed to encourage early hospital visits and proper neonatal care practices. 

The float ended at SODH with a solemn vigil to honour the memories of preterm babies who lost their lives. The vigil highlighted the urgency of addressing gaps in neonatal healthcare and the need for community support. 

Durbar and Stakeholder Engagement

The durbar, held on Friday, November 15, 2024, brought together key stakeholders, including healthcare professionals, traditional leaders, and community members. 

Delivering the keynote speech, Executive Director of the Foundation, Evelyn Duah, emphasised the need to improve access to neonatal care, especially for families facing financial and systemic challenges.

She noted, “Preterm birth remains a significant public health challenge, and it is our responsibility to ensure that every preterm baby receives quality care, regardless of their circumstances.” 

Operational Challenges at SODH

Medical Superintendent of SODH, Dr. Kennedy T.C. Brightson, explained that on average, the facility handles 382 neonatal cases annually, with 56 being preterm births.

He highlighted key obstacles contributing to premature deliveries including late reporting to the facility, which delays intervention; financial constraints that prevent families from accessing timely care; knowledge deficits regarding neonatal care among families; and a lack of basic neonatal equipment such as incubators and phototherapy machines. 

He further identified common causes of preterm births seen at SODH, including infections, pregnancy-induced hypertension, gestational diabetes, high stress levels, and drug abuse, particularly herbal concoctions. 

Significant Milestone

With the involvement of FCSF, this year’s celebration marked a turning point in prematurity awareness for the community.

“Creating awareness at this scale is a remarkable achievement,” said Alice Panibre, Deputy Chief of Nursing and Midwifery. “The health walk and vigil brought the community together to share in the journey of families with preterm babies.” 

Other stakeholders, including Nana Ayerkie Yortsu III, Queen Mother of Shai Osudoku Traditional Area, and Dr. Smart, Head of Pharmacy, called for sustainable solutions to improve neonatal care. Dr. Baffour Awuah, Pediatrician, and Mariama Alhassan, Head of NICU, also echoed the need for better resources to address the growing demand for neonatal services. 

The Way Forward

The Executive Director highlighted the Foundation’s advocacy for the establishment of a national fund dedicated to vulnerable children and neonatal healthcare.

Appreciating the partners of the event, she thanked the SODH and expressed gratitude to Madam Matilda Narh of the Midwifery Unit for her pivotal role in initiating the collaboration between FCSF and SODH. 

She also extended the Foundation’s appreciation to the Ghana National Gas Company for their support in making this year’s event a success.

World Prematurity Day

World Prematurity Day, observed globally on November 17, remains a vital platform for raising awareness, promoting neonatal health, and ensuring that every preterm baby gets the chance to live.