CPAP machines offer hope for premature babies

DAR ES SALAAM: THE Ministry of Health has announced plans to distribute medical equipment to aid newborns with respiratory problems, especially those requiring Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP), in hospitals with specialised neonatal units.

Minister Jenista Mhagama, the Minister for Health, made this announcement on Thursday while delivering the medical devices during her visit to the Medical Stores Department (MSD).

The equipment was received by Dar es Salaam Regional Medical Officer, Dr Mohammed Mang’una, on behalf of all regional medical officers in the country.

The 130 CPAP machines, valued at 212mil/- were purchased by MSD in response to directives from President Samia Suluhu Hassan.

These devices are expected to play a crucial role in reducing infant mortality rates among premature babies.

“We must continue acquiring these machines to ensure their availability in all health centres and district hospitals. Ideally, each facility should have at least five machines, as there could be up to five infants requiring assistance at once.

It is essential we help these children avoid preventable deaths,” Minister Mhagama said.

She further said that 80 per cent of premature babies experience respiratory difficulties due to underdeveloped lungs and other organs, leading to a high risk of mortality.

Additionally, these infants are more susceptible to infections due to their weakened immune systems.

Ms Mhagama extended her gratitude to President Samia Suluhu Hassan for recognising the importance of the issue and prioritizing procurement of the equipment.

ALSO READ: Mhagama stresses streamlined health services

In response, the Director MSD, Mr Mavere Tukai, assured that all directives issued by the Minister of Health will be implemented.

“This includes the ongoing construction of warehouses for medicine storage, improving drug transportation systems, and the continued production of medical supplies, including masks and gloves,” he said the distribution of the CPAP machines is expected to begin immediately, with the devices being sent to hospitals with specialised neonatal units first and subsequently to other health facilities across the country.

This effort aims to ensure that every region in Tanzania is well equipped to handle premature births and improve the survival rate of these vulnerable infants.