Lagos, Oct. 27, 2025 (NAN) The Babies Matter Medical Centre (BMMC), in Lagos, has urged obstetricians and maternity hospitals to establish early referral pathways to ensure good treatment outcome for high-risk or preterm deliveries.
Dr Zainab Mudasiru, the Co-Founder of BMMC, said this in a statement on Monday ahead of the World Premature Day commemorated every Nov. 17.
According to her, timely referral within an hour of delivery is crucial for the survival and long-term health of premature babies.
“Delays in accessing proper neonatal support often lead to complications, disabilities, or death – outcomes that can be prevented with swift action.
“Obstetricians, IVF clinics, surrogacy agencies, and maternity hospitals should establish early referral and preferably our neonatal team should be present,” she said.
Mudasiru said BMMC, which started operations in November 2023, has successfully cared for over 120 premature babies.
The UK-trained Neonatalogist said the facility specialises in neonatal intensive care and provides advanced care for premature and critically ill newborns.
She said preterms cared for at the centre include those born as early as 25 weeks gestation and weighing as little as 520 grammes barely the size of a small water bottle.
“At Babies Matter, every minute counts. We have seen babies born too early, too sick or too small, go home simply because they received the right care within the first two hours after birth.
“The tiny survivors stand as living proof of what expert intervention, timely referral, and advanced neonatal care can achieve,” Mudasiru said.
Also, Dr Efunbo Dosekun, the co-founder of BMMC, said by ensuring that fragile newborns reach the right facility immediately after birth, healthcare providers can significantly increase their chances of survival and healthy development.
“Premature babies deserve a fair start at life.
“With timely intervention and collaboration among hospitals, IVF clinics and surrogacy agencies, we can give every tiny life the best possible chance to thrive,” Dosekun said.
She highlighted an internal review of neonatal cases between November 2023 and September 2025, which underscores the facility’s growing impact on premature infant survival in Lagos and beyond.
According to her, extreme preterms (28 weeks) account for 31.5 per cent; very preterm (28–32 weeks) account for 33.8 per cent, while moderate to late preterm (32–37 weeks) account for 27.6 per cent.
She added that preterm babies born before 37 weeks account for 6.9 per cent of the babies cared for, reflecting the hospital’s strong focus on high-risk neonatal cases.
The paediatrician reaffirmed BMMC’s commitment to champion early neonatal intervention, capacity building, and stronger collaboration within Nigeria’s maternal and child health ecosystem. (NAN)
