22/11/2025
*CCH celebrates champions*
Chitungwiza Central Hospital (CCH) commemorated World Prematurity Day, with a vibrant event, bringing together hospital management, staff, mothers of preterm babies, and corporate partners.
The CCH Clinical Director Doctor J. Kasule, who represented the Chief Medical Officer Doctor R. Makota at the event revealed the theme for this year’s commemoration.
“The theme for this year is ‘Give preterm babies a strong start for a hopeful future,’” stated Clinical Director Dr. J. Kasule.
Dr. Kasule emphasized the hospital’s commitment to annual commemorations, aiming to give preterm babies a better and a brighter future.
Principal Nursing Officer D. Chairuka praised the preterm babies as “fighters and champions,” urging mothers to follow medical advice and provide quality care to their babies at home.
The commoration, which was held for the first time at CCH, was in line with the vision of the Ministry of Health and Childcare of “providing quality of life for all.”
Sister-in-charge (SIC) Hamandishe provided a brief history of World Prematurity Day, which was first observed in 2008 by European parent organizations and has been celebrated globally and annually on the 17th of November since 2010.
SIC Hamandishe also revealed that “1 in 10 babies is born preterm, which translates to approximately 13.4 million preterm births worldwide”
“Sub-Saharan Africa has the highest rates of preterm births, with 10.1% of babies born preterm.”
“Most preterm babies survive at CCH”
“Preterm births are often linked to factors like gestational diabetes, hypertension, thyroid disorders, and obesity,” she said.
Mothers shared heartfelt testimonies about the exceptional care their babies received at the hospital’s Neo Natal Ward.
Ruvarashe, a grateful mother, expressed her relief, saying, “I thought my child would die, but the health professionals’ care and counseling gave me hope.”
Some of the mothers expressed their sincere gratitude to nurses and doctors for their generosity.
One of the mothers who preferred to be called Mai Forget said, “ they gave me diapers and baby clothing and goodies during my hospital stay.”
The event was made a success by generous donations from hospital staff and stakeholders such as Safel Insurance and Classico Academy.
The celebration featured colorful activities, joyous moments and cake cutting highlighting the resilience of preterm babies and the dedication of CCH healthcare workers.