The beautiful agony of motherhood

Mother's touch: The incident of preterm babies is rising globally
Mother's touch: The incident of preterm babies is rising globally

Increasingly in Botswana, the wondrous occasion of becoming a mother is being complicated by rising numbers of premature births, in which the little ones are at risk of various conditions. Mmegi Correspondent, NNASARETHA KGAMANYANE speaks with the brave mothers.

Worldwide, it is estimated 15 million babies are born preterm each year, with at least one million of those dying annually due to the inherent complications of prematurity. At Princess Marina Hospital, the public health sector’s main referral centre, 1,291 of the 7,145 children born in 2015 were premature. Premature babies not only face higher risks of illness, but even when they survive, they are at greater risk of developing chronic ailments.

In Botswana, 40% of infant mortality is attributed to neonatal mortality or deaths occurring within the first 28 days of life. Goitseone Motaung is a young, proud mother of a handsome four-year-old boy.  Junior was born when his mother was seven months pregnant.

Editor's Comment
Congratulations Anicia Gaothuse!

The contest had 10 beautiful young girls as finalists and unfortunately only one could wear the crown.The judges picked Anicia Gaothuse. To all those who feel their contestant should have won ahead of Anicia for whatever reason, hardly; the judges found Anicia to be the best among the best, so desist from disrespecting our newly crowned queen on social media or anywhere else, for that matter! Each of the 10 beautiful young women had supporters...

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