A Lagos-based neonatal facility, Babies Matter Medical Centre, has discharged twins born at 24 weeks of pregnancy after providing specialised care for almost three months.

The babies, who weighed 550 grammes and 740 grammes at birth, spent 87 and 85 days respectively in the hospital’s neonatal unit before they were discharged.

The Co-founder and Clinical Lead of the centre, Zainab Mudasiru, described the babies’ survival as a significant medical achievement, noting that birth at 24 weeks is considered close to the threshold of viability and often requires intensive neonatal support.

Mudasiru said extremely premature babies face serious complications, including underdeveloped lungs, vulnerability to brain bleeding, immature digestive systems and infections. She added that providing care for such infants in Nigeria was particularly challenging because of limitations in the healthcare system and access to specialised neonatal services.

She said the babies’ survival was made possible through coordinated efforts by the hospital’s medical team and disclosed that another set of twins born at 24 weeks was currently receiving treatment at the facility. She also urged hospitals and expectant mothers at risk of premature delivery to contact neonatal specialists early to allow adequate preparation.

The twins’ mother, Temitayo Fagbemi, said she initially feared the worst after seeing her babies’ extremely low birth weights. She said her concerns gradually eased as she observed the medical attention provided by the doctors and nurses throughout their hospitalisation.

Fagbemi said the hospital also trained her before discharge on feeding, bathing and other aspects of caring for the premature babies. She urged parents of premature infants receiving intensive care to remain hopeful, maintain communication with medical personnel and seek specialised treatment rather than lose hope because of their babies’ birth weights.