Preventing Newborn Hypothermia in Afghanistan

Dear Friends,

We are excited to update you on the progress of our programs in Afghanistan. Since our program launch at the Rabia Balkhi Hospital this past Spring, we have impacted the lives of over 2,000 infants. Through our training and education programs, we have helped empower hundreds of families and healthcare practitioners with the tools and knowledge needed to effectively prevent and manage neonatal hypothermia.  

Our Programs Team, in conjunction with our field partner, HEDA, is currently preparing to launch at the second hospital in September, and will be conducting needs assessments, identifying and hiring a local Embrace representative to oversee the program, and leading a training to certify the hospital staff as Embrace-trained representatives. Embrace aims to have programs operating in four hospitals before the fierce Afghan winter sets in.

We’d like to introduce you to Muzghan, the proud mother of a brand new baby girl. Her daughter was born with low birth weight, and was immediately placed in an Embrace infant warmer so that her temperature could be regulated. Muzghan was trained by Meela, our Afghanistan Site Manager, on the dangers of neonatal hypothermia, and how to keep her daughter warm until she was big enough to regulate her own body temperature. Muzghan learned how to perform Kangaroo Care, and how to use the Embrace infant warmer. Muzghan really liked how both Kangaroo Care, and Embrace helped improve the infant's ability to nurse.

We can’t thank you enough for your continued support of our programs in Afghanistan. Help Embrace spread the warmth by sharing our work with your friends and family!

With gratitude,

Team Embrace

Links:

• Visit our website to learn more!