Source: Health Desk
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), neonatal mortality rates remain a critical global health issue, with nearly 2.4 million newborns dying within the first 28 days of life each year.
A significant number of these deaths are attributed to respiratory distress, especially among preterm and low-birth-weight infants whose underdeveloped lungs struggle to function independently.
In countries like Ghana, where resources are limited, respiratory distress is a particularly urgent challenge that demands immediate and effective intervention.
At Ghana’s Police Hospital in Cantonments, Accra, healthcare staff often face overwhelming cases of neonatal respiratory distress. Yet, they lack the basic respiratory support devices needed to manage these cases effectively.
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) devices, which deliver a gentle, continuous stream of air to keep airways open, are recognized as critical tools in neonatal care worldwide.
However, the Police Hospital, like many facilities across Ghana, does not have access to enough CPAP machines, forcing staff to make urgent referrals to other hospitals.
The Challenge of Neonatal Respiratory Distress
Respiratory distress in newborns can arise from conditions like respiratory distress syndrome or birth asphyxia, where immediate breathing support is essential.
Without CPAP devices, Police Hospital staff often rely on makeshift solutions, such as inserting oxygen tubes into water bottles to create improvised CPAP systems.
While innovative, these methods are far less effective and pose significant health risks to infants. As a result, approximately 80% of respiratory distress cases must be transferred to other hospitals, many of which are already overwhelmed.
This delay can be life-threatening for newborns who need immediate respiratory support.
How CPAP Devices Can Transform Neonatal Care
A CPAP machine provides crucial respiratory support for neonates, helping keep their airways open and maintaining oxygen levels.
This simple, non-invasive intervention has been shown to reduce mortality rates significantly and can stabilize newborns locally, reducing the need for emergency transfers.
Equipping hospitals like Police Hospital with CPAP devices would empower healthcare providers to manage respiratory distress on-site, saving time and giving newborns a better chance at survival.
The Breathless Babies Campaign
Recognizing this urgent need, the “Breathless Babies” initiative is working to supply CPAP devices to Police Hospitals and hopefully other hospitals in Ghana in the future.
By raising funds and awareness, “Breathless Babies” aims to reduce the high referral rates and enable hospitals to deliver effective respiratory care for newborns.
Alongside providing equipment, the campaign also emphasizes training for healthcare staff, ensuring that they are fully prepared to operate CPAP devices and manage respiratory distress cases effectively.
Notably, most CPAP devices in Ghana are provided through donations. While this support is invaluable, ensuring the sustainability of neonatal respiratory care requires an equal focus on strategies to maintain these devices.
Proper maintenance programs can extend the lifespan of equipment, preventing breakdowns and ensuring that healthcare workers have the tools they need to save lives consistently.
How the Community Can Help
Addressing this issue requires the support of both the local community and international partners. Here’s how you can help:
1. Raise Awareness: Sharing information on neonatal respiratory needs can help rally public support and drive funding for essential equipment.
2. Advocate: Encouraging local health systems to prioritize neonatal respiratory care and invest in necessary equipment can make a long-term impact.
3. Support Community Education: Informing caregivers about neonatal respiratory issues can help families make timely decisions on when and where to seek care for newborns.
Working Towards a Healthier Future for Newborns
The mission of “Breathless Babies” is to create a future where every newborn in Ghana has access to adequate respiratory support.
By equipping hospitals like Police Hospital with CPAP devices, healthcare providers can offer timely, effective care, drastically improving outcomes for babies born with respiratory challenges.
Each contribution, each bit of awareness, and each act of advocacy brings us closer to a world where every newborn has the chance to breathe with dignity and safety.
Together, we can ensure that “Breathless Babies” becomes a lifeline for Ghana’s most vulnerable patients.
Source: www.thenewindpendentonline.com
