Health Ministry calls for expanded neonatal care services

Ghana's Deputy Minister of Health, Prof. Dr Grace Ayensu-Danquah, has called for increased funding and ongoing care for newborns born prematurely. She stressed that survival alone is not enough; premature babies need specialized medical support, continuous monitoring, and long-term assistance to avoid complications and thrive. At the 3rd Purple for Prematurity Summit, Prof. Ayensu-Danquah highlighted the need for a coordinated national approach to address the healthcare requirements of babies born early or with significant health issues.

She detailed government initiatives such as the Presidential Initiative on Maternal Health Emergency Response (PRIMER) and the growth of community-based newborn care services to improve maternal and newborn health outcomes. While acknowledging the importance of these measures in reducing newborn mortality, Prof. Ayensu-Danquah emphasized the necessity for more comprehensive care throughout the early years of life for premature infants.

She urged for enhanced collaboration between the government and health-sector partners to create a national maternal and child health roadmap that ensures high-quality healthcare for all, particularly those needing specialized attention immediately after birth. Selma Bentoom, the founder of the African Foundation for Premature Babies and Children (AFPNC), echoed the call for a National Action Plan on Prematurity to provide a clear strategy for addressing premature birth challenges.

She urged the government to integrate follow-up care for premature babies into the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) benefit package to facilitate access to essential healthcare services beyond hospital discharge. Ms. Bentoom stressed that while medical interventions are crucial for saving premature babies, ongoing support is equally vital for ensuring these children can grow, develop, and lead healthy lives.