The Physiotherapy programme of the University of Nicosia is hosting a multidisciplinary, two-day Scientific Conference and Workshop, titled “Let’s do it together”, dedicated to the preterm infants and their families. The aim is to raise awareness about prematurity and discuss the challenges faced by newborns, their families and health professionals. The scientific conference and workshop is part of a series of events organised by the Physiotherapy programme under the thematic “Be Physio Unique” and will take place on 6 and 7 April 2019 at the University of Nicosia.
With the support of the Erasmus+ and IDEP, we are delighted to have with us, as guest speaker, Dr Mijna Hadders-Algra, Professor of Developmental Neurology at the University Medical Center Groningen in Netherlands.
About the topic
It is estimated that 15 million babies are born too early every year around the world, which equals to more than 1 in 10 babies in total. Many survivors face a lifetime of disability, including learning disabilities, as well as visual and hearing problems. More than 60% of preterm births occur in Africa and South Asia, but preterm birth is truly a global problem. In the lower-income countries, on average, 12% of babies are born too early, compared to 9% in higher-income countries (WHO, 2018).
The scientific conference and workshop aims to bring together professionals and families involved in the care of babies born preterm and exclusively discuss aspects of developmental care. Advances in medical care will be explored in terms of developmental and behavioral assessment, therapeutic interventions and follow up procedures for high-risk infants. Collaborative goal-setting is a key approach to successful interventions and therefore a team approach is essential for the holistic management of these infants and their families. This is a unique opportunity for scientists and clinicians in the field to network and share knowledge and experience. Additionally, in the light of family-centred practice, families and NICU graduates will be sharing with participants their personal life experiences.
In the framework of the event, the university’s Physiotherapy Student Society will be fundraising for the “Thermokoitida Agapis”, an association dedicated to improving the future of preterm born babies in Cyprus. Participants and other interested people are invited to contribute to this effort in order to help us provide the maximum support possible. For more information and registrations, please contact Eleni Mitsou at [email protected]
Please see the programme here
