PRIORITZING LIFE WHERE LIFE BEGINS
Newborn babies are at risk at the Hôpital Prince Régent Charles (HPRC) in Bujumbura, the economic capital of Burundi in East Africa. The hospital has gravely insufficient capacity and is not only struggling to meet a long-standing excess demand for the care of preterm babies, but its facilities are dilapidated and at best, sub-standard. Faced with a constant rotation of newborns, basic equipment is lacking for infant care.
HPRC was built in 1949 and hasn't been renovated much since that time. An exception is the maternity ward which was recently renovated through a Rotary global grant conducted by four Rotary and six Rotaractor clubs. The facilities are in great need of rehabilitation. Equipment is scarce and patients suffer as a result. HPRC is a government funded public hospital that offers free medical services to local low-income communities of Bujumbura and within 100 km. of the city. In addition, the hospital receives referrals from other public hospitals that do not have a neonatal unit. Its patients are illiterate or semi-literate and do not have resources to pay for medical care.
This global grant will focus on improving the infrastructure and environment of the neonatal ward so that all infants have a better chance of survival and hospital staff have access to needed equipment to carry out adequate care of newborns. The work includes repairs to walls, floors, ceiling, windows and doors as well as repairs or improvements to plumbing, drainage, electrical and oxygen delivery systems to eventually support the equipment required to meet demand. Each of three neonatal wards will be outfitted with hand washing stations and all toilets will be renovated. All needed equipment will not be included in this grant; purchase of a limited number of incubators and phototherapy lamps are planned.
The hospital team who will utilize the equipment will be trained in its use. A technical and equipment maintenance team of two hospital staff will undergo a formal course conducted by Medical Aid International to receive their Biomedical Engineering Certifications.
The project will be implemented by the Rotary Club of Bujumbura Great Lakes and the Rotaract Club Bujumbura Great Lakes (D9150) as the Host Clubs in partnership with Rotary Club of Del Mar (D5340) acting as International Partner.
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