By Muhammad Sani Muazu
In commemoration of World Prematurity Day 2024, celebrated annually on November 17, the Medical Women Association of Nigeria (MWAN) Bauchi State Chapter, in collaboration with the National Maternal and Child Health Committee and the Pediatrics Department of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH), held an awareness campaign and health talk at the Immunization and Antenatal Clinic of the Bauchi Urban Maternity.
This year’s theme, “Over 13 Million Babies Born Prematurely Every Year: Access to Quality Care Everywhere,” emphasizes the urgent need to address preterm births globally and ensure access to quality care for premature infants.
Dr. Hafsatu Banaru, President elect of MWAN Bauchi State Chapter, highlighted the significance of the campaign, noting the alarming rate of preterm births in Nigeria. She stressed the importance of creating awareness among pregnant women to mitigate risks associated with premature deliveries.
“We deemed it necessary to organize this health talk as part of our activities to mark World Prematurity Day, considering the rising cases of preterm births in Nigeria. Educating women on prevention and care is vital in reducing these numbers,” Dr. Banaru stated.
Consultant Pediatrician at ATBUTH and Coordinator of the Maternal and Child Health Committee, MWAN Bauchi, Dr. Aisha Zaidu, provided vital education to the attendees on strategies to prevent preterm births. She explained that proper antenatal care, a healthy lifestyle, and timely medical intervention could significantly reduce the risks of premature deliveries.
Addressing misconceptions about premature infants, MWAN Bauchi Publicity Secretary, Dr. Kaltume Shu’aibu, debunked myths surrounding the survival of babies born between seven and nine months of gestation. “There is a common miscommunication that these babies cannot survive. This is far from the truth. With access to quality care, many preterm babies live and thrive,” she clarified.
Dr. Shu’aibu also engaged with participants, answering their questions and dispelling fears regarding premature births. The session was interactive, with many women expressing gratitude for the knowledge shared during the event.
The campaign underscored the commitment of MWAN and its partners to improving maternal and child health in Bauchi State, aligning with global efforts to reduce preterm births and enhance the survival rate of premature babies.