Dr Miranda Apo-era, Medical Doctor at the Newborn Care Unit (NBCU) of the Upper East Regional Hospital in Bolgatanga, has advocated continuous specialised care for preterm babies.
She said such babies needed an intense, high level of care for their survival, called for support from stakeholders including family members, and insisted that "Preterm babies need very special attention to survive and so, all the support from stakeholders is welcomed." Dr Apo-era was speaking at the climax of this year's prematurity awareness month organized by the NBCU with support from the management of the hospital.
World Prematurity Day is celebrated annually on November 17; however, the entire month was used to raise awareness about infants born prematurely and the difficulties they face.
The theme for the celebration: "Breaking Barriers, Access to Quality Care Everywhere," brought together staff of the hospital, officials from the Midwifery Training College in Bolgatanga, and parents of surviving preterm babies among other stakeholders.