The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), Department of Paediatrics of Federal Teaching Hospital Ido-Ekiti (FETHI), in conjunction with the Obstetrics and Gynecology (O&G) Department including Consultants, Nurses and Health Assistants, had recorded a remarkable breakthrough in successfully managing a 24 weeks old baby who weighed 600 grams at birth.

The Head of Paediatrics Department, Dr. Olubunmi Lawal, in her opening remark welcomed the management team and everyone present to the programme.

She said, “This celebration wouldn’t have been possible if the baby wasn’t given a chance to live. Also, it’s a joint effort of the whole team and without the competence, committed, and dedicated hands of every health professionals involved, the survival of the baby wouldn’t have been achievable”.

The Chief Medical Director, (CMD) Prof. Adekunle Ajayi commended the efforts of all the professionals who had in one way or the other contributed to the outstanding success of the child.

“Despite our challenges and weaknesses we must always remind ourselves that we are here to make the sick strong, restore hope to people who think life is over and put smile on the faces of many in the society.

“Therefore, it is a call to all of us to see this as a new challenge, a record that must be broken. This achievement is a justification of the Federal Government’s investment in our facility,” the CMD stated.

Receiving goodwill messages in the course of the program, 6 other consultants, H.O.D of Medicine Department Prof. Busari ably represented by Dr. Obajolowo, H.O.D of O&G Department, Dr Adeniyi Adebayo, H. O. D of Surgery Department, Dr Banjo O.O, a Consultant Paediatrician and Neonatologist, Dr Olufunke Bolaji, Assistant Director of Nursing Services (ADNS) Olajide Grace and Head of Neo-natal unit, Matron Mandy Odogwu appreciated the efforts of the professional care givers involved in managing the extreme preterm.

They also lauded the support given by management of the hospital for providing an enabling environment with functional equipments for such extreme preterm to survive.

An official release of the documentary of baby Emmanuela was displayed to the audience, after which the mother appreciated the neonatal team and the entire workforce of FETHI.