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Dr. Angela Advocates Addition Of Preterm Babies As Today Marks World Prematurity Day

Health

Dr. Angela Advocates Addition Of Preterm Babies As Today Marks World Prematurity Day

The Imo for Health Commissioner, Dr Angela Uwakwem, has advocated the inclusion of preterm babies in the National Health Insurance Scheme to promote preterm care.
Uwakwem made the call at the celebration of World Prematurity Day at the Imo State Specialist Hospital, Umuguma, Owerri, on Saturday.
She said this would improve the survival chances of preterm babies while significantly reducing the cost of their care.
She noted that many hospitals are discouraged from setting special care units for preterm babies as a result of the huge costs incurred in the maintenance of such units.
The commissioner commended the National Association of Nigerian Paediatric Nurses (NANPAN) for their efforts at promoting the area of paediatric nursing despite their low numbers and lack of resources.
She also commended them for selfless devotion to the care of preterm babies and their dedication to the job.
Earlier, the President of NANPAN, Mrs Olubumi Lawal, said the day is celebrated annually on Nov. 17, to raise awareness about preterm births, concerns of preterm babies and their families worldwide.
Lawal also stated that the World Health Organisation reports that approximately 15 million babies are born preterm each year.
It further identified Nigeria as number three among 10 top countries with high rate of preterm births of 773,600.
She appealed also for the capturing of the needs of preterm babies in the annual budgets, while reiterating the need to include preterm babies in the NHIS.
She also called for more nurses to specialise in the area of paediatric nursing to curb the prevalence of preterm mortality in the country.
Besides, the NANPAN president called for the establishment of new born units in hospitals or new born corners at the very least to encourage “Kangaroo Mothercare” for preterm babies.
In a goodwill message, a representative from the NHIS, Mr Mike Agwu, said NHIS has programmes focused on providing good healthcare to children.
He added that a more concerted effort will improve better reports, adding that the NHIS is willing to partner with the association to eradicate infant mortality in the country.

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