Kemi Olatunde

The Medical Director of UNIMEDTH Akure Complex, Dr Adesina Akintan, has described the skills of healthcare workers as a crucial factor in reducing mortality and morbidity rates.

To this end, health workers have been urged to improve their skills to help reduce perinatal mortality in Ondo State.

Dr Akintan made this statement on Tuesday while delivering his opening remarks during the commemoration of the 2024 World Prematurity Day at the hospital in Akure.

According to him, perinatal mortality remains one of the alarming statistics that Nigeria and other developing countries are grappling with. He emphasised the importance of focusing on the care of newborns.

Describing the event as an opportunity for health workers to receive the latest information and update their skills to provide quality care for newborns, he urged them to pay close attention to the training to improve patient outcomes.

Consultant Paediatrician Mrs Banke Oluwafemi explained that the event aimed to raise awareness about the risk factors for prematurity and celebrate both mothers and babies who have endured the challenges of care.

She noted that preterm babies are unique and exceptional, requiring special attention. She added that the day is being marked through the training of health workers, which aligns with global practices.

The Head of the Department of Paediatrics and Child Care, Dr Olaseinde Bello, highlighted that World Prematurity Day is celebrated annually on 17 November. He stated that the theme for the 2024 edition is “Access to Quality Care Everywhere.”

Stressing the importance of ensuring quality care for preterm babies both now and in the future, he defined preterm babies as those born before seven months of gestation. He called on healthcare workers to provide quality care, including timely referrals.

Dr Bello outlined various causes of preterm births, such as fever during pregnancy, trauma, hypertension, diabetes, multiple gestation, cervical incompetence, fibroids, and tobacco smoking or drug use.

He explained that preterm babies often have visible veins, closed eyes for more than two weeks, and underdeveloped private parts. He added that mothers of preterm babies are at risk of developing psychiatric illnesses, according to research.

Elaborating further, he said: “Admission of these babies is an emergency, and they must be handled with minimal intervention. You must ensure they receive adequate fluids and that their glucose levels are stable.”

According to him, preterm babies may face challenges such as breathing difficulties, jaundice, birth asphyxia, and social and emotional problems. He warned that if not properly managed, they might develop health issues later in life.

Dr Bello urged health workers not to give up on preterm babies and encouraged them to transfer the knowledge gained from the event by stepping down the training to others.