BLESSING TAIWO
A specialised neonatal facility, Babies Matter Medical Centre (BMMC), Lagos has recounted its wins in the care of preterm babies and critically ill newborns ahead of the world prematurity day and its 2nd year of operation.
Since it commenced services in November 2023, the medical facility has successfully cared for over 120 premature babies, including those born as early as 25 weeks gestation and weighing as little as 520 grammes – barely the size of a small water bottle.
In a release by BMMC on Monday, Dr Zainab Mudasiru, the Unit’s Clinical Lead and Co-founder stated that the tiny but strong survivors stand as living proof of what expert intervention, timely referral, and advanced neonatal care can achieve.
“At Babies Matter, every minute counts. We have seen babies born too early, too sick or too small, go home simply because they received the right care within the first two hours after birth,” she said.
Dr. Mudasiru stressed that timely referral within an hour of delivery, is crucial for the survival and long-term health of premature babies.
Her words, “Preferably our neonatal team should be present at the delivery so they can take charge of the baby from the time they are born.
“Delays in accessing proper neonatal support often lead to complications, disabilities, or death – outcomes that can be prevented with swift action.
“In light of this, Babies Matter Medical Centre is calling on obstetricians, IVF clinics, surrogacy agencies, and maternity hospitals to establish early referral pathways for high-risk or preterm deliveries.
“For Enquiries or Referrals—
Address: 5A, Remi Olowude Street, Off Marwa Bus Stop, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos.
Phone: 07035581073, 08145806713, 08027338723
Email: hi@babiesmatterng.org”
Co-founder of BMMC, Dr Efunbo Dosekun, said that by ensuring that fragile newborns reach the right facility immediately after birth, healthcare providers can significantly increase their chances of survival and healthy development.
“Premature babies deserve a fair start at life. With timely intervention and collaboration among hospitals, IVF clinics and surrogacy agencies, we can give every tiny life the best possible chance to thrive,” Dr. Dosekun said.
Data highlight of the medical center from November 2023 to September 2025 shows that– the extremely preterms (<28 weeks) accounted for 31.5 per cent; very preterm (28–32 weeks) 33.8 per cent; Moderate to late preterm (32–37 weeks)27.6 per cent while term babies (≥37 weeks)were 6.9 per cent of the babies taken care of.
This key insight reflected that more than 93 per cent of all babies treated were born preterm (under 37 weeks) — reflecting the hospital’s strong focus on high-risk neonatal cases.
Regarding the birth weight distribution, babies < 1.0 kg accounted for 26.9 per cent; 1.0–1.49 kg, 15.4 per cent; 1.5–2.49 kg, 19.9 per cent and ≥ 2.5 kg, 8.8 per cent.
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