Celebrating World Prematurity Day at Far East Rand Hospital
Far East Rand Hospital hosted and raised awareness in its first celebration of World Prematurity Day on November 16.
In support of World Prematurity Day, Far East Rand Hospital hosted its first celebration on November 16 ahead of the event, which is commemorated on November 17.
The hospital staff wore the colour purple as it represents sensitivity and exceptionalism. The event is celebrated annually worldwide to commemorate premature children and their families.
“Today, we are celebrating a life and the effort that has been put in to give hope to those lives, On top of that celebration, there are many scars and devastated families,” said medical officer Dr Willie Biaya.
Biaya said according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), one out of 10 babies is born prematurely.
“Preemies are babies who have not grown and developed as much as they should have before birth,” he said.
Many things are happening behind the scenes after the birth of a premature baby. This included the fact that a doctor or nurse will spend a lot of their time with the baby. Biaya shared his recent experience with a premature baby weighing 1kg at birth.
“During that time, I couldn’t see any other child. All my time was spent on the baby,” Biaya explained.
He said that although all their energy is invested in saving premature babies, there are families who are traumatised by the sudden birth of a baby born prematurely.
Phumla Khanye, a nurse and mother, spoke about her journey with her son, Zanenkosi. He was born prematurely at 30 weeks. However, three years later, he is a handsome and healthy boy.
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She shared the challenges and encouraged parents whose children had been born prematurely.
Khanye urged healthcare workers to be supportive of mothers as well. “I know some mothers would agree that as difficult as it is, they also need support. Just asking the mother how they are doing would mean a lot,” said Khanye.
“Grandparents need to be involved in being taught how to nurture premature babies. Premature babies need our love and care,” she concluded.
Sister Tshikiwani Mathibe, a supervisor in the neonatal ward, delivered an insightful speech about the natal care journey, as well as a brief role-play of the daily events in natal care. The organising team said the event exceeded their expectations and hopes to celebrate the day annually.
