Nigeria has third largest number of preterm birth globally

By; Mohammed Kawu, Bauchi.
A Super activist with Evidence for Action has lamented the high rate of newborn deaths in Nigeria, describing the deaths of newborns as a blow to a family, especially if it’s the first child.
The activist, Fola Richie made the lamentation during a three day train the trainer session organized for 35 Mamaye super activists Thursday on maternal and newborn health in Bauchi.
Richie told the participants at the workshop that Nigeria has the third largest number of preterm births globally
She gave UNICEF and WHO levels and trends in child mortality report 2015 statistics showing that the number of newborn deaths in Nigeria in the first month of life in 2015 is 240,000.
Richie explained that the number of babies born preterm in 2015 was 871,000 and the number of deaths due to preterm complication was 78,700.
She queried that “How can we describe the agony of such family that lost their first child after fourteen years of marriage”
Mrs. Fola Richie commended individuals and organizations across Nigeria who works tirelessly to make pregnancy and childbirth safer, so that others can be encouraged and inspired to do the same.
Team leader Richie challenged all activists, Nigerian men and women to take action that will make a change and save lives.