THE government has identified lack of awareness about the importance of prenatal clinic visits as a major barrier to reducing neonatal mortality.

Dr. Aisha Zuheri, Dar es Salaam City Council Medical Officer, made the statement at the weekend during commemoration World Prematurity Day organized in collaboration with Aga Khan Hospital Dar es Salaam. The event highlighted the critical role of awareness to safeguard health of mothers and their newborns.

Dr. Zuheri said that Dar es Salaam City Council has made notable progress in tackling the challenges, particularly through enhanced care for premature babies. Key initiatives include educating mothers on the importance of early prenatal clinic visits and providing parents with essential knowledge on newborn care.

Efforts have also focused on improving facilities such as Kangaroo Mother Care units which provide life-saving support for premature infants.

“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the leadership of Aga Khan Hospital for their unwavering commitment. This event underscores the critical importance of neonatal care,” she said.

She noted the tangible impact of the initiatives, citing a dramatic reduction of premature infant mortality rates. During the July-September quarter, mortality rates dropped from 40 percent to 12.98 percent.

“This remarkable progress reflects the power of collective action and prioritization of neonatal care. As we celebrate today’s achievements, let us reaffirm our commitment to ensuring every child, regardless of their circumstances at birth, has the chance to live,” she said.

“As someone born prematurely, I feel immense pride and hope witnessing the significant strides being made to help today’s children achieve milestones we once dreamed of.”

Dr. Yaser Abdallah, neonatologist at Aga Khan Hospital, Dar es Salaam emphasized the urgent need for universal access to high-quality neonatal care to prevent unnecessary deaths of premature newborns.

He noted that around 500 babies are born prematurely in Tanzania each year, making up the majority of infant deaths within the first month of life.

“As we observe World Prematurity Day 2024, we stand in solidarity with families in Tanzania and across the globe affected by preterm birth. This day reminds us of the urgent need for equitable access to quality neonatal care regardless of where a baby is born,” he said.

“Let us unite in our mission to give every preterm baby a healthier, brighter future,” he urged.