The University Health Services of the 糖心Vlog and Technology (KNUST) has inaugurated a support group for parents with preterm babies as part of activities marking the climax of Prematurity Awareness Month. The initiative, led by the Paediatric Society of Ghana in collaboration with the KNUST Hospital, aims to strengthen advocacy and support system for mothers and families caring for preterm infants.
The event held under the theme, 鈥淓quitable Care for Every Preterm Baby鈥, highlighted the need for awareness, far access to care, and support for families with preterm births.
Dr. Betty Nkansah Osei Mensah, Acting Head of the Paediatrics and Child Health Unit, at the climax ceremony, laid emphasis on the theme of the event and the importance of equity in preterm care.
鈥淭oday, as we mark the climax of the prematurity awareness month, we unite under a powerful theme: 鈥橢quitable Care for Every Preterm Baby鈥. This theme reminds us that every child-no matter their size, weight, gestational age at birth, race, tribe, or the circumstances of their birth- deserves the same chance at life, health, and鈥, she mentioned.
She added that preterm births extend far beyond being just a medical condition, but a family and societal experience also.
鈥淧reterm birth is not just a medical condition; it is a family experience, a societal challenge, and a call to action. Behind every tiny baby in an incubator is a mother who is an anxious, a father who is praying, a health team working tirelessly to give that child a fighting chance鈥, she shared.
Dr. betty further explained why equitable care, emphasizing adequate access to skilled healthcare workers, lifesaving equipment, kangaroo mother(father) care, and family-centered support. 听
鈥淓quitable care means removing every barrier that prevents a preterm baby from receiving optimal support鈥 regardless of the family鈥檚 social and economic background鈥, she added.
She also shared local statistical data on the rise of preterm deliveries in the university hospital community from the first half of the previous year to the first half of 2025.
鈥淔rom our local data, there is a sharp rise in preterm deliveries from 8.9% (18 preterms in the first half of 2024) to 13.2% (26 preterms in the first half of 2025). I鈥檒l be quick to add we have 100% survival rate鈥, she stated.
Dr Betty Nkansah Osei Mensah encouraged parents, family members, staff and partners who were present to remain committed to giving preterm babies the compassionate and equitable care they deserve.
