This archive report was first published on 18 November 2021.
Kenya is grappling with a rising number of preterm births, with experts warning that the country's infrastructure is not equipped to handle the growing cases.
According to Dr. Juma Oduor, lead obstetrician gynaecologist at Agha Khan Hospital Kisumu, approximately one out of 10 babies are born preterm each year, with many dying or facing lifelong health challenges.
Speaking during the World Prematurity Day celebrations at Agha Khan Hospital in Kisumu, Dr. Oduor emphasized the need for the government to partner with the private sector to develop the necessary infrastructure to handle the rising cases of preterm births.
“Management of a single case depending on the condition of the baby is not easy and can cost millions of shillings,” Dr. Oduor said, highlighting the high costs involved in managing premature births.
Dr. Oduor also disclosed that preterm birth remains the leading cause of prenatal mortality and morbidity in the country, calling for concerted efforts within the health sector to reverse the tide.
Agha Khan Hospital has partnered with the government to train specialized doctors and medical personnel, as well as facilitate equipment sharing to help address the gaps in the country's healthcare system.
“This partnership is very critical to enhance access to quality care especially in regions that don’t have adequate health facilities,” Dr. Oduor added.
As part of efforts to address the rising number of preterm births, Agha Khan Hospital has introduced a specialized clinic for expectant mothers every Monday to identify any threats likely to affect pregnancy.
Dr. Sarafina Ekeno, a paediatrician at the facility, pointed out that 30% of babies born preterm develop lifelong complications, including hearing impairment, cerebral palsy, sight and lung infections, and neurodevelopment issues.
First-time mother Rose Obae, who delivered a preterm baby at 34 weeks, shared her painful experience of undergoing many challenges while in hospital and at home.
“It is painful to see others deliver and go home with their children while you are stuck at the facility watching over an underweight baby in a nursery,” she said.
Stigma, she added, was a big challenge for mothers who deliver prematurely because the society heaps the fault on them.
Published on November 18, 2021, at 2:11 PM.
