By Joyce Kantam Kolamong
As part of Prematurity Awareness Month, the Tamale Teaching Hospital held its third annual graduation ceremony to honor the incredible journeys of preterm babies and their resilient families. This year’s theme, “Breaking Barriers: Access to Quality Care Everywhere,” highlighted the need for equitable and accessible healthcare for preterm infants. Joyce Kantam Kolamong reports.
Globally, over 15 million babies are born prematurely each year. In Ghana, survival rates for preterm babies improve with gestational age: 91.6% for babies born at 34 weeks, 84% for those born at 33 weeks, 76% at 32 weeks, and only 28% for babies born before 28 weeks. While healthy newborns typically weigh around 2.5 kilograms, some preterm babies weigh as little as 400 grams. Despite the odds, many preterm babies grow up to lead healthy, happy lives, with their families emerging stronger and more resilient.
The Tamale Teaching Hospital has made significant strides in caring for premature infants, increasing the survival rate from 80% to 90%. A 2024 study on neonatal admissions at the hospital revealed that prematurity remains a major predictor of mortality, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions. Another study in 2021 underscored the importance of effective communication, emotional support, and shared decision-making in improving the experience of parents with babies in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
To celebrate the progress made, the hospital awarded titles such as Mr. Preemie 2024 and Miss Preemie 2024 to children who achieved significant milestones.
The Journey of Preterm Babies and Their Families
The journey of preterm babies and their families is often fraught with uncertainty, anxiety, and immense challenges. From the initial shock of premature birth to long hospital stays, sleepless nights, and stigmatization, these families endure a tough but transformative experience.
Rahama Mohammed, the mother of Miss Preemie 2024, recounted her emotional journey.
“The first time they called me to pick the baby, I was scared. I thought, ‘What if a bone breaks?’ He was so tiny. One of the nurses encouraged me to hold him, and over time, I got used to cleaning and changing his diapers. It was hard because I was schooling and taking care of the baby, but by God’s grace, he survived. I even faced stigmatization. Someone told me, ‘We don’t have such babies in our family—it’s a curse.’”
Rahama encouraged other mothers not to be discouraged by rumors or stigmatization surrounding preterm babies.
Gabriel Dachiso Gagri, who grew up as a preterm baby, shared an inspiring message.
“I don’t remember much from my early years, but I know I often fell ill and had very sensitive skin. As I grew older, I realized I had to be more careful than my peers. My message is: don’t give up. I’m living proof that a premature baby can grow up and achieve great things.”
Challenges and the Way Forward
Director of Medical Affairs at the Tamale Teaching Hospital, Professor Alhassan Abdul Mumin, highlighted logistical challenges that hinder the delivery of optimal care for preterm babies. He emphasized the critical need to address stigmatization and improve access to essential medications, such as caffeine, used to support the breathing of preterm babies.
“Many of these small babies sometimes forget to breathe, and caffeine is what we use to support their breathing. However, it’s expensive. We need it covered under the National Health Insurance Scheme so that every mother with a baby in the NICU can access it without barriers,” he said.
Professor Mumin also appealed to partners and benevolent organizations to provide additional incubators to reduce the number of babies sharing one.
Adamu Alhassan, Chief Executive Officer of The Empowered Female Foundation and a former preterm mother, shared how her experiences inspired her to support premature babies and their families through her organization.
Supporting Preterm Babies and Families
Despite advancements, preterm babies with conditions like hypothermia, respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), and jaundice still face significant challenges. Observances like Prematurity Awareness Month and World Prematurity Day call for action to:
Raise awareness about the challenges of premature birth.
Support research into causes and prevention.
Provide emotional and practical support to families.
Advocate for improved healthcare services and policies.
Together, We Can Make a Difference
As we celebrate the resilience of preterm babies and their families, let us remember that every small action counts. By working together, we can create a brighter, healthier future for these little ones and their families.
