VIHIGA COUNTY CELEBRATES WORLD PREMATURITY DAY

The County Government of vihiga led by the Department of Health Services has today, November 17th, 2025, celebrated the World Prematurity Day at Mahanga Grounds in Vihiga Sub-county. The day marked annually highlights the challenges associated with preterm birth, which remains the leading cause of death among children under five worldwide.

This year’s theme, “Give Preterm Babies a Strong Start for a Brighter Future,” underscores the need for greater awareness and support for preterm infants and their families. In Kenya, an estimated 134,000 babies are born prematurely each year, with prematurity being the leading cause of neonatal deaths. According to the Ministry of Health a baby is considered preterm when born before the completion of 37 weeks of pregnancy.

The day was celebrated together with mothers, fathers, healthcare workers, community health promoters, and partners from MOMENTUM Country and Global Leadership, Jhpiego, Anglican Development Services – Western, Mungoma Hospital, and Maseno Mission Hospital, who are instrumental in advancing maternal and newborn health in the county.

One of the key, high-impact interventions promoted to improve survival and health outcomes is Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) which is skin-to-skin contact initiated as soon as possible after birth, unless the newborn requires mechanical ventilation, is in shock, or needs resuscitation. KMC helps stabilise the baby’s heart rate, improves breathing, supports healthy sleep, encourages growth, reduces the risk of hypothermia and infections, strengthens mother-infant bonding, and supports milk production.

Let us continue working together to ensure that every preterm baby receives the care, protection, and support needed to grow and thrive.