World Prematurity : Access to Quality Care Everywhere
Every year on November 17th, the world marks World Prematurity Day, a global initiative dedicated to raising awareness about preterm births and the challenges faced by preterm newborns and their families. The theme for the 2024 World Prematurity Day was “Access to Quality Care Everywhere,” highlighting the urgent need to ensure that preterm infants, regardless of where they are born, have access to life-saving interventions and specialized care.
At the forefront of this advocacy in Kenya is the Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral & Research Hospital (KUTRRH), a healthcare institution committed to improving neonatal outcomes. In collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Ministry of Health (MoH), KUTRRH is spearheading initiatives to provide innovative, evidence-based interventions for preterm infants and their families.
In alignment with this mission, KUTRRH recently engaged in a strategic partnership with the Safaricom Foundation. The partnership aims to explore opportunities to advance patient-centered care. The Safaricom Foundation further demonstrated its commitment to maternal and child health by donating packs (gifts) for new mothers to enhance Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health (RMNCH) services.
Understanding Prematurity: A Global and Local Perspective
Preterm birth, defined as birth before 37 weeks of gestation, is a global concern, with an estimated 15 million babies born prematurely every year. According to the WHO, complications from preterm births are the leading cause of death in children under five years old.
In Kenya, the Ministry of Health highlights that preterm-related complications account for a significant portion of neonatal deaths, emphasizing the urgent need for quality care.
KUTRRH, as a center of excellence in maternal and child health, is actively addressing these challenges through its Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). The hospital employs cutting-edge technology and a multidisciplinary approach to provide life-saving interventions.
Championing Quality Care at KUTRRH
This year’s World Prematurity Day theme aligns with KUTRRH’s ongoing mission to enhance neonatal care. The hospital’s NICU offers specialized services, including:
- Advanced neonatal monitoring systems – Ensuring that every preterm baby receives tailored care based on their specific needs.
- Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) – Encouraging skin-to-skin contact to stabilize preterm babies’ temperatures and improve bonding with parents.
- Human milk banks – Ensuring access to essential nutrition for preterm babies.
Dr. Jane Mwangi, Head of Pediatrics at KUTRRH, emphasizes,
“Quality care is not just about survival; it’s about giving every preterm baby a chance to thrive. We are committed to partnering with families, the Ministry of Health, and global bodies like WHO to achieve this goal.”