Little Big Souls Holds Prematurity Awareness Walk

Each year, an estimated 15 million babies are born preterm (under 37 months) with about 1 million of them dying from related complications.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), three quarters of the deaths are preventable given timely and cost-effective interventions.

In the light of this worrying situation, Little Big Souls, a non-governmental organization in Ghana on Saturday organized a health walk to raise awareness about the condition in the country as well as call for societal support for premature babies.

The walk was held as part of the global celebration of World Prematurity Day on November 17 each year.

Mrs. Edith Uyovbukerhi, Executive Director and Co-Founder of little Big Souls called for more public education to address some misconceptions about prematurity in Ghana.

She noted that prematurity is not a disease and as such society must see it as a condition that can happen to anyone.

"Prematurity is not a disease, it is not contagious, it is something that happens and so we need to embrace it,understand it and support people who are affected by prematurity."

She added that, some deaths of premature babies could be prevented if families are educated on the condition and the needed treatment facilities provided to help preemies after their birth.

Mrs. Uyovbukerhi also emphasized the need for proper social support for families with premature babies.

Little Big Souls' walk which started from the African Regent Hotel, through the airport ended at the starting point.

It was aimed at increasing awareness about prematurity among Ghanaians as well as celebrate the lives of premature babies.

She said Little Big Souls will as part of its pro-bono services continue to provide parental support in the NICU and beyond as well as donate lifesaving equipment to hospitals in the region.