The Paediatric Division of the 37 Military Hospital has officially launched the 2026 Neonatal Jaundice Awareness Month in a ceremony held at the Paediatric Outpatient Department (POPD) on Tuesday, 19 May 2026.
The event, held under the theme “Jaundice Care for Every Newborn Anywhere,” brought together medical staff and specialists from the division to highlight the importance of early detection, education, and treatment of neonatal jaundice.
Speaking at the launch, Paediatrician at the POPD, Major Kofi Otchere, explained that the awareness month is dedicated to educating nursing mothers and improving routine screening of newborns to reduce complications associated with the condition.
He described neonatal jaundice as the yellowing of a newborn baby’s skin and eyes, caused by elevated levels of bilirubin in the blood. He emphasized that while the condition is common, early detection and proper management are critical to preventing severe health outcomes.
Major Otchere further disclosed that staff of the Paediatric Division will extend education and screening activities to various hospital units, including maternity, the Paediatric Emergency Unit, the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department, and the Paediatric ward.
The outreach, he noted, is aimed at ensuring that all newborns and mothers receive adequate information and timely care.
Also present at the launch were Dr Ama Dapaah-Afriyie, Dr Eva Odukwe, as well as other doctors and staff of the Paediatric Division.
The initiative forms part of ongoing efforts by the hospital to strengthen neonatal healthcare delivery and raise public awareness on preventable newborn health conditions.
CREDIT: Mavis Fantevi
