UNICEF has from November 10th 2023 given an opportunity for web influencers, digital actors to educate society about the factors that lead to premature birth.
This action of theirs is in support of the State through the Ministry of Public Health, is striving to reduce deaths caused by prematurity in Cameroon. Initiatives such as increased awareness, improved access to pre- and postnatal care, medical training and strengthening health infrastructure are being put in place to prevent premature births and ensure effective interventions when needed.
Every November for the past 20 years, we've been raising awareness of preterm birth for the thousands of families who are affected.
The World Health Organization has data that has shown that newborn die from complications related to prematurity every forty seconds worldwide. The celebration of World Prematurity Day is therefore an opportunity to educate populations about this public health problem.
Babies born before 37 weeks are premature. A premature birth is more likely to happen when a mother has a health problem — like diabetes — or does harmful things during her pregnancy, like smoke or drink. If she lives with a lot of stress, that also can make her baby be born too early.
Cameroon faces a high rate of prematurity, which has a direct impact on the infant mortality rate. According to Ministry of Health statistics, prematurity is one of the leading causes of death among children under the age of 5. A significant number of babies are born prematurely each year, and a high percentage of these infants do not survive.
And in terms of causes and consequences, several factors can contribute to prematurity in Cameroon. These include limited access to quality prenatal care, untreated maternal infections, lack of awareness among pregnant women about the risks of prematurity, malnutrition and precarious socio-economic conditions.
Prematurity has emotional, financial and social consequences for affected families in Cameroon. The loss of a premature baby can be devastating for parents, while the high costs of necessary medical care can often worsen the economic situation of already vulnerable families.
Prematurity has emotional, financial and social consequences for affected families in Cameroon. The loss of a premature baby can be devastating for parents, while the high costs of necessary medical care can often worsen the economic situation of already vulnerable families.
It's important for every pregnant woman to see their doctor early and regularly during pregnancy for prenatal care, to ensure a healthy diet.