On November 17th, the Neonatal Team of Aga Khan Hospital Gilgit, with technical support from the Midwifery Association of Pakistan (MAP), observed World Prematurity Day to raise awareness about preterm births and the challenges faced by preterm babies and their families. Globally, 1 in 10 babies is born preterm, posing significant health risks and requiring specialized care.
Purpose and Highlights of the Event
The event was organized to honor preterm babies (“premies”) and their families, celebrating their resilience while educating the community about the importance of prenatal and neonatal care.
The session began with a warm welcome and an introduction to the Neonatal Care Team, including midwives, nurses, and consultant Dr. Mehwish. Pregnant women and families of preterm babies gathered in the OPD for the interactive session.
Key Topics Discussed:
Preterm Birth Education: Senior consultant Dr. Mehwish delivered an insightful talk on preterm birth, its classifications, risk factors, and preventive measures to reduce premature deliveries.
Importance of Antenatal Care:
Dr. Neelum Jahan, Senior Consultant Obstetrician and Gynecologist, and Dr. Maria Khalid emphasized the significance of antenatal care and breastfeeding in ensuring better health outcomes for preterm babies.
Engaging Visuals and Inspiring Stories
The OPD was decorated with displays carrying takeaway messages about prematurity, aligned with WHO recommendations:
1. Prevention and Promotion
2. Caring for Complications
3. Family Involvement
A special focus was placed on the crucial role of family involvement in preterm care.
An inspiring success story was shared by Mr. Mirbaz, whose baby was born at just 27 weeks and weighed only 900 grams, offering hope and encouragement to families.
Honoring the Miracle Babies
The event concluded with thoughtful gestures:
Small gifts were presented to the mothers of preterm babies admitted to the Neonatal Nursery Unit (NNU) to provide emotional support.
A short video honoring “miracle babies” highlighted their strength and the dedication of their caregivers.
This meaningful event not only celebrated the courage of preterm babies and their families but also reinforced the importance of quality prenatal and neonatal care in preventing and managing preterm births.
