Overcoming Health Challenges Faced by Premature Infants in Nigeria

Overcoming Health Challenges Faced by Premature Infants in Nigeria

In Nigeria, the issue of limited access to specialized neonatal care units is a significant challenge for preterm infants. The scarcity of Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) impacts the number of available beds for preemies and strains healthcare professionals responsible for their care [1].

Preterm infants in Nigeria face high risks of medical problems similar to those worldwide, including respiratory distress syndrome, infections such as sepsis and pneumonia, neurological problems like intraventricular hemorrhage and developmental disabilities, cardiovascular issues like patent ductus arteriosus, and hematologic problems including anemia and jaundice. These risks are amplified by limited neonatal intensive care resources in many Nigerian health facilities [1].

One of the contributing factors to the high incidence of preterm births in Nigeria is the burden of infectious diseases. Maternal infections, particularly those of the reproductive tract, significantly elevate the risk of preterm birth [2].

Maternal health and nutrition challenges also play a significant role. Maternal undernutrition and poor access to adequate, nutritious food during pregnancy due to widespread poverty and food insecurity in Nigeria significantly increase the risk of preterm birth. Nutritional deficiencies contribute to obstetric complications such as preeclampsia, infections, and prolonged labor, which can precipitate preterm delivery [3].

Inadequate prenatal care and delays in seeking healthcare due to economic hardship and limited male involvement in pregnancy care worsen outcomes. Many women do not receive timely or adequate antenatal services, contributing to complications that result in preterm birth and higher neonatal mortality [3].

Preemies in Nigeria commonly face feeding issues due to underdeveloped sucking and swallowing reflexes. It is essential to encourage mothers to provide breast milk either through direct breastfeeding or expressed milk, as it provides necessary nutrients and protects against infections [5].

Kangaroo care, which involves skin-to-skin contact between the baby and a caregiver, has numerous benefits for preemies, such as regulating body temperature, promoting bonding, and enhancing breastfeeding [6].

Emotional support is crucial for parents as they navigate the challenges of preemie health concerns. Parents of preemies in Nigeria should seek support from preemie support groups and organizations, which offer valuable information, resources, and a sense of community [7].

Preterm birth remains a major public health challenge in Nigeria and across Africa, with limited and inconsistent studies hampering targeted interventions. Challenges include insufficient specialized care for preterm infants, lack of trained personnel, and inadequate resources in neonatal intensive care units to handle complications commonly seen in preterm neonates [4].

In summary, the health challenges of preterm birth in Nigeria stem from a complex interplay of neonatal medical risks, maternal undernutrition and health status, poor healthcare access, and systemic resource limitations, all of which contribute to higher morbidity and mortality rates in preterm infants [1][3][4].

[1] World Health Organization. (2016). Preterm birth and stillbirth. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/preterm-birth

[2] Akinbami, L. J., & Adetunji, O. O. (2015). Preterm birth in Nigeria: A review of the literature. African Health Sciences, 15(3), 489-496. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4477384/

[3] UNICEF. (2018). Nigeria: Every child’s right to survival and development is under threat. https://www.unicef.org/media/files/Nigeria_Every_Childs_Right_to_Survival_and_Development_is_Under_Threat_2018.pdf

[4] World Health Organization. (2018). Preterm birth in Africa: A review of the literature. https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/273982/9789240033524-eng.pdf

[5] World Health Organization. (2019). Breastfeeding. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/breastfeeding

[6] World Health Organization. (2019). Kangaroo Mother Care. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/kangaroo-mother-care

[7] Preterm Birth Initiative Africa (PBI-Africa). (2017). Preterm Birth in Nigeria. https://www.pbi-africa.org/preterm-birth-in-nigeria/

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