Dr. Charlyene Kilba, a paediatrician at Ridge Hospital, has cautioned against the widespread tendency to attribute spiritual causes to medical conditions in babies. She warns that such beliefs can delay timely medical intervention, often to the detriment of the child’s health.
Speaking during a panel discussion organized by FOCOS Orthopaedic Hospital in Accra to commemorate World Patient Safety Day, Dr. Kilba emphasized the importance of early health-seeking behavior, particularly for newborns and infants.
“Attributing everything to spiritual causes, especially when it comes to the health of babies, can delay care. Early intervention can make all the difference. Mothers must seek help promptly when their babies show signs of illness,” she stated.
This year’s World Patient Safety Day campaign focused on the theme “Safe Care for Every Newborn and Every Child,” aiming to draw attention to the heightened risks that children and newborns face in healthcare settings. The global initiative calls on governments, healthcare providers, and the public to take deliberate steps to prevent avoidable harm from birth through childhood.
Dr. Kilba stressed that ensuring the safety of newborns must begin well before delivery.
“Safe care starts with the mother, managing blood pressure, eating a balanced and nutritious diet, and attending antenatal clinics are all critical. Adequate preparation for delivery is essential, not just for the mother’s safety but for the baby’s survival as well,” she noted.
She highlighted ongoing efforts to enhance maternal and newborn care through midwife training, including quick-response techniques like neonatal resuscitation and oxygen therapy.
A Collective Responsibility
Dr. Kilba further underscored that ensuring child safety is not only a clinical matter, but a collective responsibility that extends into homes and communities.
“We must pay attention to what happens to a baby from conception, through delivery, discharge, and beyond. Infection prevention, labour monitoring, and postnatal care are all key components of safe care,” she added.
