C-Care Uganda on Friday joined the global observance of World Prematurity Day 2025, celebrating the resilience of Uganda’s “little warriors”—babies born prematurely who continue to defy the odds.
Held under the theme “Give Preterm Babies a Stronger Start for a Brighter Future,” the event brought together families whose children were born before 37 weeks and nurtured back to health in C-Care’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
Speaking at the event, Dr. Miriam Mutero, General Manager of C-Care Uganda, praised both the babies and the medical staff supporting them.
“We’re here because of your fighting spirit,” she said. “It’s about fighting for life, fighting for every breath. I thank the pediatricians, neonatologists, nurses, and doctors who care for these children. And to the mothers, thank you for staying strong through the challenges.”
Dr. Mutero reaffirmed C-Care’s commitment to strengthening NICU services, continuously upgrading technology, and providing specialized care.
“We will continue to work together to give these children a strong start and celebrate every graduation from our NICU,” she added.
Dr. Immaculate Mirembe from the Uganda Pediatric Association highlighted Uganda’s preterm birth challenge, noting that over 226,000 babies are born prematurely every year, with 85% arriving between 32 and 37 weeks.
She emphasized that preventable factors—including hypertension, teenage pregnancies, poor maternal nutrition, anemia, and domestic violence—contribute to the deaths of approximately 12,500 preterm babies before their fifth birthday.
“Parents face emotional and financial strain, and survival depends on access to proper care,” she said, urging mothers to attend regular antenatal care and deliver in well-equipped hospitals.
C-Care pediatrician Dr. Ronald Kyambadde encouraged parents, sharing that many global icons, including Albert Einstein, Charles Darwin, and Stevie Wonder, were born preterm.
“Your love is the first medicine,” he said. “These babies may be tiny, but their hearts are those of warriors.”
Parents were honored for their resilience, sharing emotional stories of long NICU nights and the joy of seeing their children thrive. Dr. Shibah Nahurira, Head of Department at C-Care, praised the multidisciplinary team—from cardiologists and surgeons to nurses, psychologists, and support staff—for their dedication.
“Every baby is unique, and every need must be catered for. From top to bottom, everyone plays a role in the survival of a premature baby,” she said.
The celebration concluded with fun activities for the “little heroes,” including face painting and bouncing castles, marking a joyful tribute to preterm babies, their families, and the medical teams committed to giving them a strong start in life.
