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| Neonatal Nurse cares for a newborn at the Georgetown Public Hospital (DPI photo)
The Ministry of Health has collaborated with the Pan American Health Organisation/World Health Organisation (PAHO/WHO) to reduce the neonatal mortality rate in Guyana through the ‘Helping babies breathe’ training programme. According to a government’s release the initiative seeks to build the capacity of nurses and other healthcare workers to provide quality care to newborn babies. Dr Frank Anthony, Minister of Health, pointed out that while neonatal mortality refers to the first seven days following birth, the first minute can determine whether the child lives or dies. To this end he said, “We can make a big difference. So, this training that you will be receiving is to help you to identify those risk factors early and to take action as quickly as possible so that you can save that child’s life and once we are able to do that and implement this programme on a scale, we will be saving lots of lives.” While some of the techniques covered in the training are already being used in Guyana, the health minister said more persons must be trained. There has been strides in neonatal care at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, compared to 10 years ago when the hospital had two paediatricians, operating at a level-one (basic) Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), to a level-four, boasting 22 paediatricians and 70 NICU nurses. The impact of this said the minister is that neonatal mortality is now six per 1, 000 at the hospital. Guyana’s neonatal mortality stands at 19 per 1, 000, indicating a disparity in the other institutions, while hinterland neonatal mortality is approximately 30 per 1, 000, advised the minster The intent is to lower the number by extending NICU services to all regional hospitals. NICUs are in New Amsterdam, Linden and West Demerara. Mabaruma, Lethem and Bartica hospitals are expected to have functioning NICUs in the next three years. A maternal and child care hospital is soon to be constructed at Liliendaal, East Coast of Demerara, will feature a section, especially for neonatal care. |
