Improving Newborn Survival, a Save the Children project funded by Johnson & Johnson to help reduce neonatal mortality in Bangladesh, marked International Kangaroo Care Awareness Day on May 15 in supported heath facilities by highlighting the consequences of premature and low birth weight (LBW) newborns and how Kangaroo Mother Care can be a useful way of managing premature and LBW newborns. With support from the project, Neonatology and OB-GYN departments organized awareness sessions to promote KMC awareness among health professionals, doctors and nurses.
The two-year project started in March 2018 focuses on preterm low birth weight newborns in three tertiary level health facilities in the capital: Dhaka Shishu Hospital, Sir Salimullah Medical College & Mitford Hospital (SSMC&MH), and Mohammadpur Fertility Services and Training Center. The initiative targets low-income urban groups, promoting Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) at the health facility level and creating awareness within catchment areas.
Health Services Directorate General, National Newborn Health Program manager delivers a speech on International Kangaroo Mother Care Day at the Dhaka Shishu Hospital.
Awareness Day Observed at Sir Salimullah Medical College & Mitford Hospital
Professor Dr. Sharifunnahar, Head of the Neonatology Department at SSMC&MH, discussed the causes of neonatal death, the burden of prematurity and LBW, the benefits of KMC and how it can be incorporated in other health facilities. Rekha Rani Mondol, Nurse In-charge of the Neonatology Department & KMC Unit at SSMC&MH, shared her experience with KMC at her department.
Dr. Abdul Wadud, Deputy Program Manager of National Newborn Health Program (NNHP) & IMCI of Directorate General of Health Services shared the routine MIS data of premature, LBW and KMC enrollment. Mr. Wadud mentioned that there is a high rate of premature and LBW newborns; yet, KMC enrollment and referral are still very low. He emphasized the importance of coordination between OB-GYN and Neonatology Departments to refer premature and LBW newborns to the KMC corner.
More than 350 health professionals and service providers from all three health facilities attended the awareness sessions.
Featured image: Professors, doctors, nurses and medical students from the Neonatology Department participated of the awareness session at the Dhaka Shishu Hospital.