Life saving machinery is no longer exclusive to wealthy
nations. Many are developing a variety of simple tools with life-altering impacts.
Fortunately, simple tools, manufactured from locally available resources, have
the potential to save the lives of babies. Boston
doctors and engineers are taking a special interest in finding simple solutions
for poor countries like Ethiopia,
Indonesia
and other countries with limited resources.
Globally, over 3 million newborns die each year and 98% of
these deaths occur in resource limited settings. Ethiopia is one of the poorest
nations in the world; for every eight babies that are born, one of them will
die before reaching their fifth birthday. Birth asphyxia is a leading
cause of death in these babies.
Over 1 million of these deaths worldwide result from birth
asphyxia, the failure to breathe at birth. Simple resuscitation methods performed
by trained community healthcare providers could save 70-80% of these deaths.
Who could have imagined that a simple $8 tube and mask
device could have such an impact on healthcare in poor countries like Indonesia?
This resuscitation device is simple, yet low-cost. And, in countries like Ethiopia this
type of device could be a life saver for asphyxiated newborns.
In this recent interview
with Boston’s channel 5 news, Dr.
Kristian Olson describes the benefits of inexpensive medical devices and
the “rewarding” experience of seeing midwives so “empowered” by having the
right tools and training.
Now, with simple tools and novel approaches, we have the
opportunity to improve the effectiveness of healthcare providers by
implementing sustainable technologies and enabling training. We need more simple
tools and life-saving training that will enhance and protect lives. That is why
we are so encouraged by the recent announcement by the Bill and Melinda Gates
Foundation to provide $1.5 billion for maternal and child health in resource
limited settings.
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