In observance of “World Prematurity Day,” Nakuru County’s Deputy Governor, H.E David Kones, alongside officials from the Department of Health and various partners, convened at the Nakuru Teaching and Referral Hospital’s Margaret Kenyatta Mother and Child Wing. The event, held under the theme “Small Actions, Big Impact,” shed light on the critical issue of preterm births, a leading cause of child mortality globally and responsible for 23 per cent of deaths in children under 5 years of age in Kenya.
This year’s theme emphasized the significance of Kangaroo Mother Care, a method designed for the care of preterm infants. It involves close, skin-to-skin contact, usually with the mother, addressing the biological needs of warmth, nutrition, and love. Kangaroo Mother Care has demonstrated a significant decrease in mortality rates for preterm infants.
CO Alice Abuki at the World Prematurity Day 2023Addressing the gathering, Deputy Governor Kones expressed the belief that every baby deserves a strong start in life, irrespective of their birth timing. He made a commitment, under the leadership of H.E Governor Susan Kihika, to fully support maternal and newborn services in the county. This includes the equipping of the neonatal Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the County Referral and Teaching Hospital to provide comprehensive care for sick infants.
“World Prematurity Day,” observed globally in November, aims to raise awareness about premature birth and its profound impact on families. The commemoration in Nakuru County featured the Chief Officer for Public Health Alice Abuki, County Director for Medical Services Dr Daniel Wainaina, County Director for Public Health Services Elizabeth Kiptoo, County Chief Nursing Officer Wendy Tirop, Nakuru County Referral and Teaching Hospital Medical Superintendent Dr James Waweru, and other members of the County Health Management Team. The event served as a platform to emphasize the importance of collective efforts in addressing preterm birth complications and ensuring the well-being of newborns and their families.
