- The Vayu bubble Continuous Positive Airway Pressure machine will be used to treat acute respiratory distress.
- The innovation has been embraced by 19 countries, with notable examples being Vietnam and the Philippines.
The Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital has received equipment used to treat acute respiratory distress.
The equipment will be used to save the lives of pre-term babies and children under five months.
The Vayu bubble Continuous Positive Airway Pressure machine was innovated by Dr Thomas Burke, who handed over the equipment.
The machines are manufactured by Revital Healthcare EPZ.
Kisumu Health executive Dr Gregory Ganda was present during the handing over.
He said the machine will help reduce mortality rates of newborn babies.
Dr Burke, a globally acclaimed science innovator, said the equipment is meant to prolong the life expectancy period of neonates.
“CPAP is a non-invasive form of respiratory support, which does not require complex technical expertise.
"Furthermore, less complex CPAP devices such as the Vayu bubble CPAP are preferable due to their ease of maintenance and affordability. The equipment does not require any electricity to work,” he said.
Burke said the equipment is easy to use and has vital qualities for ensuring safe oxygen delivery to the young ones.
He further explained that the Vayu bCPAP oxygen delivery system is enhanced by an easy-to-use adjustable blender.
The blender regulates the amount of oxygen that babies below five months essentially need.
“The device is equipped with a system that has regulated pressure, oxygen flow and humidification that is right for the baby.
"It is also reusable for a period of at least three years, if used according to the manual provided by the manufacturer," Burke said.
Clinical officers and paediatricians from JOORTH have been trained to use the new equipment.
The innovation has been embraced by 19 countries, with notable examples being Vietnam and the Philippines.
The JOOTRH management, led by CEO Dr George Rae, has already placed the Vayu bCPAP into use in the maternity wing and newborn unit.
Board deputy chairperson Monica Ogutu urged health stakeholders to expedite the formation of private-public partnerships with private health facilities, to continue being the frontline gatekeepers of newborns.
Deputy CEO Dr Dedan Ongonga said they are committed to procurement of more Vayu bCPAP, to responsively and sustainably serve patients at their facility.
Medical statistics estimate that out of all newborn deliveries done in health facilities, 38 per cent result in maternal deaths in Kisumu county alone.
(Edited by Bilha Makokha)