Mpilo to get CPAP machines

Tatenda Gapare
A LOCAL non-governmental organisation is set to install two Continuous Positive Airway Pressure machines (CPAP) at Mpilo Central Hospitals’ pediatric unit, a move aimed at reducing the number of premature infants who die as a result of Respiratory Distress Syndrome.
Respiratory Distress Syndrome is a breathing disorder that affects new born babies, especially premature infants born about six weeks or more before their due dates.

Baby Heroes Project director Ms Chengetai Makuni said they embarked on the project so as to dispel the myth that pre-term babies are bad luck or a curse.

The machines are also expected to service the district hospitals of Matobo, Umzingwane, Mangwe and Plumtree.
She said the machines are being installed in order to increase chances of long term survival of children born prematurely in Zimbabwe.

“After they are born, most pre-term babies need help breathing until their own lungs mature enough to cope unassisted. So with the use of CPAP machines babies will be able to survive. These machines are just like incubators.

“A study in Malawi showed the decrease in mortality by 30 percent when using CPAP and in other various studies the use of CPAP machines significantly reduces the mortality due to Respiratory Distress Syndrome in preterm babies,” said Ms Makuni.

The machines are being installed in targeted areas like Bulawayo and Matabeleland South in Mangwe, Plumtree, Matobo and Umzingwane districts because of the high rate of mortality deaths.

“We chose those targeted areas because these districts are in close proximity to Mpilo Pediatric Unit which is the only Government children’s hospital in southern Zimbabwe and contributes the highest rate of pre-term deaths,” said Ms Makuni.

In an interview with Sunday News, Mpilo clinical director Dr Solwayo Ngwenya said the machines are very important because they reduce the number of baby deaths as they blow up oxygen into the lungs of the babies.

“CPAP machines are very good because they reduce pre-term deaths from as high as 84 percent down to less than 40 percent. A lot of premature babies are dying in hospitals so these machines will help because they blow up oxygen hence allowing oxygen to go inside the baby,” said Dr Ngwenya.

The project managed to raise $5 300 to purchase two machines in addition to giving training and support for the Mpilo hospital staff. The project is set to run up to 31 May 2018.

“The project has been designed through consultations with the medical staff of Mpilo Hospital, Family Impact Africa and representatives of East Meets West Foundation.

“Further collaborations and inputs are being pursued and formed with the Ministry of Health and Child Care, the provincial medical directorate of Matabeleland South province, rural district councils and other stakeholders.

“Baby Heroes is looking for more strategic partners who will help us see this project realised. Any help in terms of human resources, structural aid and equipment of finances would be greatly appreciated by Baby Heroes, it seeks to serve babies who will now have a real fighting chance,” said Ms Makuni.

According to the World Health Organisation, every year an estimated 15 million babies are born pre-term (before 37 completed weeks of gestation), and this number is rising.

Pre-term birth complications are the leading cause of death among children under five years of age, and were responsible for nearly one million deaths in 2013.