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| Health Minister Jenister Mhagama says that 80% of premature babies face breathing difficulties due to underdeveloped lungs and other organs. Photo: Courtesy |
By The Respondent Reporter
The government, through the Ministry of Health, has announced plans to distribute life-saving medical equipment known as Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machines to assist newborns with breathing difficulties in hospitals equipped with specialized neonatal units for premature infants.
Health Minister Jenista Mhagama announced on September 19, 2024, while handing over the equipment to Dar es Salaam's Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Mohammed Mang'una, who received them on behalf of Chief Medical Officers nationwide.
The 130 CPAP machines, valued at TSh 212.8 million, were procured by the Medical Stores Department (MSD) following directives from President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, aimed at reducing infant mortality among premature babies.
"We must continue purchasing these machines to ensure they are available at all health centers and district hospitals—at least five machines per facility—because there could be five infants in need of help at the same time. We must act to save their lives," stressed Minister Mhagama.
She further explained that 80% of premature babies face breathing difficulties due to underdeveloped lungs and other organs, which significantly increases the risk of death and infections due to their weakened immune systems.
"To save these children within their critical first seven to 28 days, hospitals must have specialized neonatal care units (NCUs) and the necessary equipment to support their breathing," the Minister emphasized.
Minister Mhagama expressed her gratitude to President Samia for prioritizing this issue and directing MSD to procure the CPAP machines, which are expected to help save the lives of 80% of newborns with respiratory complications.
Meanwhile, MSD Director General Mavere Tukai assured that the Health Ministry’s directives would be fully implemented, including expanding storage facilities for medical supplies, improving distribution systems, and increasing the production of medical products such as masks and gloves.
"We are receiving funding from the government and are fully capable of implementing all the Minister's directives. If we fail to meet these expectations, then we don't deserve to be here," stated Tukai.