The Babies Matter Medical Centre (BMMC) in Lagos has called on obstetricians and maternity hospitals to prioritise early referrals for high-risk or preterm deliveries to improve survival outcomes.
Dr. Zainab Mudasiru, Co-Founder of BMMC, made the appeal in a statement on Monday ahead of World Prematurity Day, observed every November 17.
She explained that referring premature babies within the first hour after birth is critical to their survival and long-term well-being.
“Delays in getting proper neonatal support can result in complications, disabilities, or even death—outcomes that can be avoided with timely intervention.
“Obstetricians, IVF clinics, surrogacy agencies, and maternity facilities should have referral systems in place, and ideally, our neonatal team should be available for support,” she said.
Mudasiru, a UK-trained neonatologist, noted that BMMC, which began operations in November 2023, has successfully managed over 120 premature infants.
She said the facility provides advanced neonatal intensive care for preterm and critically ill newborns, including those born as early as 25 weeks and weighing as little as 520 grams.
“At Babies Matter, every minute counts. We have seen extremely premature babies survive because they received the right care within the crucial first two hours after birth,” she said.
Co-founder Dr. Efunbo Dosekun added that quick referral to appropriate neonatal facilities greatly improves the chances of survival and healthy development for fragile newborns.
“Every premature baby deserves a fighting chance. With prompt action and stronger collaboration among healthcare providers, we can give each one the opportunity to thrive,” Dosekun said.
She shared findings from a review of neonatal cases between November 2023 and September 2025, which showed that extreme preterm births (below 28 weeks) accounted for 31.5 per cent of cases, very preterm (28–32 weeks) 33.8 per cent, and moderate to late preterm (32–37 weeks) 27.6 per cent.
Dosekun reaffirmed the centre’s dedication to promoting early neonatal intervention, building healthcare capacity, and strengthening partnerships to improve outcomes for premature babies across Nigeria.