BENIN CITY- The Institute of Child Health, University of Benin/University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City has embarked on a sensitization rally to enlighten mothers of premature babies to care for their children and the need to also care for the doctors and health care providers.
The rally which was in commemoration of the world prematurity day with the theme, “ Together for rehabilitation of babies born too soon-Care for the future,” was held around the University of Benin Teaching Hospital General Practice clinic, Ante-Natal clinic, Family Planning clinic and the outpatient department.
The mothers were informed of the causes and how to prevent premature babies by the team led by the Director of the Institute of Child Health, University of Benin/ University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Dr Nwaneri,
They were told that every year, 15 million babies are born preterm( i.e before 37 completed weeks of pregnancy) and that out of ten babies born, one is premature.
That preterm birth is the leading cause of death for children under five years old worldwide and premature babies who survive can suffer from organ damage, hearing or vision loss or long term diseases or disabilities.
A former Director of the institute of Child Health, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Prof Mrs. A. E Sadoh also advised the mothers against the use of alcohol by pregnant mothers, noting that some women who visit traditional birth attendants are given concoction having alcohol to drink.
“You do not need alcohol and tobacco. Take adequate rest, use breast milk for the child to grow well and all mothers and members of the society have roles to play to prevent causes that lead to prematurity,” she added.
Also, Mrs Asemota informed the women what to do, such as eating well, lots of vegetables and protein to avoid anemia, living in clean environment and mothers should do what they have to do without any strenuous activity like travelling which are not healthy for the baby.
Shortly after the rally, a seminar on the world prematurity day was held and Prof Charles Eregie, Professor of child Health/consultant Neonatologist, Institute of Child Heath, UNIBEN/ UBTH gave a lecture attended by health workers.
