Event details
- Date: Tuesday, November 17, 2026
- Time: 09:00 – 13:00
- Venue: YGOPH – Neonatology & Kangaroo Mother Care unit, Ngousso
- Cost: Free
- For: Parents of premature babies, pregnant women, health professionals
- Status: Upcoming
Quick contact
Event overview:
Being born too soon is one of the greatest risks a newborn can face. Premature babies need warmth, careful feeding and protection from infection, and their parents need information, support and confidence. On World Prematurity Day, 17 November 2026, YGOPH invites families, expectant mothers and health professionals to a morning dedicated to these tiny fighters.
Our neonatology team will explain how premature babies are cared for at YGOPH, from the neonatal unit to our kangaroo mother care unit, opened in January 2017, where parents keep their baby skin to skin day and night. Midwives and obstetricians will also share practical advice for pregnant women on reducing the risk of preterm birth and recognising the warning signs of early labour.
Families whose children were born prematurely at YGOPH are especially welcome to come back and share their journey, and to encourage parents going through the same experience today. Wear something purple, the colour of the day.
Highlights
Kangaroo care workshop
Learn to hold, feed and keep a premature baby warm, skin to skin.
Preventing preterm birth
Antenatal care, warning signs of early labour and when to come to hospital.
Families together
Parents of children born prematurely share their experience.
Going home safely
Feeding, hygiene, vaccination and follow-up after discharge.
Programme
- 09:00 – Welcome in purple: Families and guests welcomed by the neonatology team.
- 09:30 – Reducing the risk of preterm birth: Advice from our obstetricians and midwives.
- 10:15 – Kangaroo care workshop: Practical demonstration with nurses from the kangaroo mother care unit.
- 11:00 – Going home with a premature baby: Feeding, warmth, danger signs and follow-up clinic appointments.
- 11:45 – Families’ stories and group photo: Parents share their journey, followed by light refreshments.
Who should attend?
- Parents of babies currently in our neonatal or kangaroo care units
- Families of children born prematurely
- Pregnant women, especially those with a high-risk pregnancy
- Students and health professionals caring for newborns
Practical information
- Venue: Neonatology & Kangaroo Mother Care unit, YGOPH, Ngousso.
- When: Tuesday 17 November 2026, 09:00 – 13:00.
- Cost: Free.
- Register: Free entry. If you are coming as a family or group, call (+237) 670 607 278 so that we can plan seating.
Questions & answers
Can I attend if my baby is still in hospital?
Yes. Parents of babies currently in our care are very welcome, and you can return to your baby at any time.
Why purple?
Purple is the international colour of World Prematurity Day. Wearing it shows support for premature babies and their families.
Is there follow-up after discharge?
Yes. Premature and low-birth-weight babies are seen in our follow-up clinic on Wednesdays and Fridays, with weighing sessions on Tuesday and Friday mornings.