Paediatricians enlighten mothers, stakeholders on premature, under-weight babies
The Paediatric Association of Nigeria (PAN) conducted a sensitization walk on how to preserve premature and low-weight infants on Tuesday in Akure.
The “PAN Walk for IKMC” (Immediate Kangaroo Mother Care) commenced at Akure City Hall, traversed Oba Adesida Road to NEPA, and concluded at the Doctors’ House in Alagbaka, Akure.
Dr Olufemi Ogunrinde, President of PAN, informed the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) during the walk that the objective of the event was to heighten awareness regarding measures to save premature infants weighing 2.5 kg or less.
Ogunrinde elaborated that a baby born prematurely requires warmth, which can be provided by placing the child on the chest of a mother or caregiver.
“This event aims to enhance awareness about Immediate Kangaroo Mother Care.
“That is what kangaroos do with their young, and studies have shown its effectiveness; this is practiced in many educational hospitals, and we aim to inform people that anyone can perform this,” he stated.
The PAN President indicated that the event was a precursor to the organization’s annual conference, scheduled for Wednesday in Akure.
He noted that the conference would also address the enhancement of children’s health in Nigeria.
Additionally, Dr Muyiwa Alonge, Chairman of the Local Organising Committee for PAN Conference 2023, mentioned that besides promoting physical fitness, the walk intended to raise awareness among stakeholders about at-risk infants, particularly those weighing 2.5 Kg and below.
Alonge asserted that infants within that weight category are at heightened risk of early mortality.
He stated that IKMC advocates for keeping such infants closely attached to the mother’s chest.
`It establishes skin-to-skin contact. In this interaction, heat is transferred from the mother to the infant, keeping the baby warm, allowing them to remain in that position for hours.
“Research indicates that this method is more advantageous than standard incubators utilized in hospitals.
“This primarily impacts infants weighing 2.5 kg or less. They are more susceptible to hypothermia, which can be life-threatening, since the average weight should be 3 kg and above,” Alonge remarked.
He mentioned that the 2023 conference of the organization will focus on optimizing child health despite the socio-economic hurdles in the healthcare system and the nation at large.
Prof. Ebunoluwa Adejuyigbe, a consultant at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, stated that mothers implementing the IKMC approach must ensure that the babies are positioned correctly for optimal breathing.
Adejuyigbe remarked that the method diminishes costs and the risk of infection transmission.
“It also mitigates cold exposure, which is one of the factors contributing to infant mortality, particularly among underweight babies.
“Moreover, it is not solely the mothers who can perform this; fathers, grandmothers, and older siblings are also able to do so.
“This practice also fosters a stronger bond, as one cannot hold a baby against their chest for extended periods without developing affection for the child. Such a child is unlikely to be abandoned,” she expressed.
The consultant asserted that these infants also have a greater likelihood of survival when compared to those placed in incubators.
According to her, the World Health Organization has conducted studies on this method in various countries and found it effective. (NAN)
