The Deputy Minister of Health, Professor Dr Grace Ayensu-Danquah, has called for increased investment in neonatal healthcare and stronger follow-up services to ensure premature babies receive the care they need beyond the first days of life.
She said survival was only the beginning of a longer journey for babies born too soon, who often require specialised medical attention, continuous monitoring and sustained support to achieve healthy growth and development.
Speaking at the 3rd Purple for Prematurity Summit, Prof. Ayensu-Danquah highlighted government interventions aimed at reducing newborn deaths.
These include the Presidential Initiative on Maternal Health Emergency Response (PRIMER) and the expansion of community-based newborn care services.
She stressed the need for stronger collaboration between government and health sector stakeholders to develop a national maternal and child health roadmap that guarantees quality care for every baby born too soon, too small, or sick.
Founder of the African Foundation for Premature Babies and Children (AFPNC), Selma Bentoom, also called for the introduction of a National Action Plan on Prematurity.
She urged the government to integrate follow-up care for premature babies into the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) benefits package and increase investment in neonatal healthcare.
Ms Bentoom said efforts to save the lives of premature babies must be matched with sustained care to give them the best opportunity to grow and thrive.