Physical Health Haiti Project #55814

Build a new Neonatal Care Unit, Haiti

by Hope Health Action

Summary

HHA's existing Neonatal Unit opened in 2012, able to treat up to 8 unwell babies. It quickly became stretched beyond capacity, regularly caring for 14 babies at a time who are forced to share cots and oxygen. We have now finalised plans to build a new Neonatal Care Unit, with the capacity to accommodate 16 babies, a breastfeeding/family care room, postnatal ward, chapel, training room, staff offices and accommodation. This unit will save the lives of thousands of babies in the years to come.

$100,000
total goal

$99,535
remaining

6
donors

0
monthly donors

2
months

Challenge

Haiti has the highest rate of infant mortality in the western hemisphere; 48 per 1,000 live births. 1 in 39 babies won't survive their first month and 1 in 29 children will die before their first birthday. A 2012 study states that major causes of infant death are prematurity (34%) and infectious conditions (18%). HHA is passionate about tackling these challenges and believe our new Neonatal Care Unit will provide an excellent foundation to dramatically improve neonatal survival rates.

Solution

The new unit will dramatically improve care for mothers and babies. It will triple in space to safely accommodate up to 16 babies (current capacity is 8) with an increased distance between cots to reducing the risk of life threatening infections between babies. Each bed space will be fully equipped so that no babies have to share living-saving equipment. It will also enable a comfortable environment for mother-led care, the initiation of which soon after birth improves neonatal survival by 25%

Long-Term Impact

Alongside infrastructure improvements, HHA will be implementing a range of service improvements to help facilitate improved neonatal outcomes. This will include improved staffing ratios, more focused patient education (for instance on benefits of breastfeeding), more robust and effective data collection and analysis, and increased training and mentorship. This combined approach will directly aid improved patient care and outcomes, helping to save thousands of babies in the years to come.