By Enem Remigus & Ejiofor Obiora
UNTH News Online

The University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH) has received a donation of five Bubble Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Systems from Hatch Technologies, a Non-Profit Organization (NGO). The equipment was handed over to the Paediatric Department of the hospital to support the care of newborns.

The Chief Medical Director, Prof. Obinna Onodugo, represented by the Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee, Prof. Joy Eze, received the donation and commended Hatch Technologies for their generosity. Prof. Eze explained that the CPAP machines would help newborns breathe easier by providing sufficient oxygen, particularly for those with lung-related issues.

Ven. Prof. Kenechukwu Iloh, representing Hatch Technologies, stated that the donation aimed to reduce neonatal mortality rates in Nigeria, which currently stand at 41 per 1000 live births. He emphasized the importance of CPAP in treating preterm babies, noting that complications of prematurity are a leading cause of death in newborns.

Prof. Iloh disclosed that Hatch Technologies is partnering with the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Neonatal Society of Nigeria to improve newborn care. The NGO donates essential equipment to support this cause.

Present at the handover ceremony were Prof. Agozie Ubesi, Acting Head of the Paediatric Department, and Dr. Charles Udemba from the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU).