Accra, Nov. 24, GNA – The African Foundation for Premature and Newborn Care (AFPNC), in partnership with the Accra College of Medicine and WaterAid Ghana, is to hold three key activities to commemorate the World Prematurity Day 2024.
The events would draw attention to challenges faced by preterm babies and their families, while advocating for improved healthcare access and support systems.
World Prematurity Day serves as a rallying point for maternal and newborn health stakeholders worldwide, and this year’s theme “Over 13 million babies born too soon every year: Access to Quality Care Everywhere,” emphasizes the urgent need for equitable, quality care for preterm babies across all regions.
The activities will kick start with The Purple for Prematurity (P4P) Summit, the first multi-sectoral forum of its kind in Ghana on November 27.
The event will bring together parents, patient representatives, healthcare professionals, policymakers, and development partners to discuss sustainable solutions for preterm healthcare.
Co-chaired by Professor Efua Hesse and Miss Selina Bentoom, the Summit will feature solidarity messages from notable figures, including the Director General of Ghana Health Service, Oheneyere Gifty Anti, and representatives from UNICEF, WHO, USAID, SOGOG, and GRNMA.
Key discussions will focus on improving access to quality healthcare, fostering partnerships, and increasing investments in neonatal care to meet the Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being) by 2030.
A Call-to-Action Statement will be adopted to reignite stakeholder commitment to advancing care for preterm babies.
This event will be followed by a public awareness campaign dubbed: The Purple for Preemies Hangout at the Eastern Regional Hospital in Koforidua on November 30 to highlight the social impact of prematurity, featuring heartfelt discussions from parents and patients who will share their lived experiences.
The event seeks to shift public perceptions and inspire community-wide support for families of preterm babies.
The commemorations will conclude with the Purple Basket Project, also on November 30, 2024, at the Eastern Regional Hospital to distribute essential items to preterm babies and their mothers in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs), reinforcing the AFPNC’s commitment to supporting families during their most challenging times.
Globally, 15 million babies are born prematurely each year, with preterm birth complications remaining the leading cause of death among children under five. In Ghana, preterm births account for a significant portion of neonatal deaths, highlighting the need for urgent interventions.
Miss Selina Bentoom, founder of the AFPNC, stressed the importance of collective action:
“At AFPNC, we are driven by a vision where every preterm baby has the chance to survive and thrive. World Prematurity Day is a call to action for all—healthcare professionals, policymakers, and communities—to champion the future of these tiny lives through innovation, care, and sustained advocacy.”
She called on the public, healthcare professionals, policymakers, and organizations to support the cause and ensure a brighter future for preterm babies and their families.
The African Foundation for Premature and Newborn Care has been at the forefront of advocating for quality care for preterm babies and their families in Ghana. Through partnerships, innovative initiatives, and community outreach, the foundation continues to make strides in reducing neonatal mortality and improving healthcare standards.
GNA