PROJECT IMPACT

Mindful of the fact that neonatal mortality rates (NMR's) are not easily reduced in a short period of time, the Foundation plans to undertake a formal impact assessment of Phase II, only during July 2010. Nevertheless, early indications are most promising and this phase of the national project has already received wide support and encouraging feedback from various role-players in the fields of Paediatrics and Neonatology.

Several reports are starting to show the positive impact of implementing a multi-pronged, integrated approach to reducing neonatal mortality rates in various hospital settings. Specifically, the initial results reported by the beneficiary hospitals relate to improvements in such important areas as:

• an actual reduction in NMR's during the project period
• a noticeable decrease in various infections
• major savings in terms of formula milk
• vast changes in nursing staff morale, attitudes and teamwork
• shorter hospital stays for many babies, also alleviating overcrowding
• increased levels of awareness and general acceptance of Kangaroo Mother Care practices
• much improved facilities and the acquisition of sorely needed equipment
• enhanced access to and improved levels of ventilation capacity
• significant increases in mothers' involvement, reducing workload for the nursing staff
• greater collaboration among related disciplines within the hospital settings
• more comfortable, renovated facilities
• the introduction of human breastmilk banks, nationally
• promotion of the "flash-heating" technique for HIV-positive mothers
• improved neuro-development care in the Intensive Care Units
• enhanced skills, training and development of nursing staff
• a general improvement in the quality of care provided to paediatric patients at these public hospitals.