To help raise awareness of premature births the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness issued a statement this week saying premature births affected about one in nine babies in South Africa, and that it remained one of the leading causes of newborn deaths.
However, the department says, with early detection, skilled care, and family support, most preterm babies can survive and thrive.
World Prematurity Day was marked on Monday 17 November this week.
“Every baby deserves the best start in life,” said Prof Gugu Kali, head of the Neonatology Unit at Tygerberg Hospital. “We encourage all expectant mothers to book their first antenatal visit as soon as they know they are pregnant and keep attending every check-up. Early and regular care allows health-care teams to monitor both mother and baby, identify risks early and act quickly, giving little ones the best chance to grow strong and healthy.”
The department said it continued to strengthen maternal and neonatal care through its Start Well approach. This included antenatal services at clinics, skilled midwives at birthing facilities and community health workers who provide follow-up visits and guidance at home. Together these services help mother and babies begin their journey in the healthiest way possible, the department said.
Various hospitals and clinics across the province were also hosting educational sessions this month, parent support groups and purple-themed awareness activities to honour families and raise awareness about pre-term births.
Kali said World Prematurity Day reminded us that small babies can be fighters and no family had to face the journey alone. “With the right care and support pre-term babies can grow up healthy and strong,” she said.
