​By Koketso Maraba 
 
When a baby is born too early, before the 37th week of pregnancy, the more fragile their body is, especially their organs and immune system, which are not fully developed. This makes the babies more prone to illnesses.
This World Prematurity Day (17 November) the Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness has reiterated the call to mothers, in line with the global theme, to continue taking small actions which have big impact such as immediate skin-to-skin care for every baby everywhere. This has proven to be most effective in ensuring that premature babies get to develop fully. A typical pregnancy lasts about 40 weeks, allowing the baby to adequately develop while in their mother's womb. 
To commemorate this year's World Prematurity Day, the Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko joined the Nelson Mandela Children's Hospital on Friday, 15 November, as they observed the day.
The 2024 theme is "Small actions, BIG IMPACT: Immediate skin-to-skin care for every baby everywhere." It celebrates the remarkable impact of simple, yet powerful practices like kangaroo mother care, which have the potential to save lives and greatly improve the health and well-being of premature babies.
MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko gave credit to the hospital for living up to the activist and hero the facility is named after, Nelson Mandela. "There can be no keener revelation of a society's soul than the way in which it treats its children," said MEC as she quoted Nelson Mandela's words. 
"The Nelson Mandela Children's Hospital embodies the heart of care, compassion, and excellence. Its devoted neonatal unit offers a beacon of hope for families, ensuring that every baby, no matter how fragile, receives the highest standard of care. This hospital is a living testament to the unwavering commitment to the well-being of the youngest and most vulnerable citizens," stated MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko. 
The Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) is aware that little ones born prematurely are at higher risk of long-term health challenges that can impact their lungs, brains, hearing, and vision. However, with compassionate innovations like skin-to-skin contact, collectively we can rewrite their story, giving them a brighter, stronger beginning in life.
The GDoH not only recognises the challenges faced by premature infants and their families but also celebrates their incredible resilience. 
Their journeys are inspiring and deepen the Department's commitment to advancing neonatal care and creating nurturing environments that support these precious lives every step of the way.
"To the healthcare professionals here at Nelson Mandela Children's Hospital and across Gauteng, your dedication does not go unnoticed. You embody the spirit of service and care that makes a profound impact on our communities," stated the MEC.