Kangaroo mother care in the African Neonatal Network hospitals: Resources, obstacles and practices
Keywords:
Infant, Newborn; Premature; Infant Mortality / prevention & control; Kangaroo-Mother Care Method; Skin-to-Skin Contact; Neonatal Intensive Care Unit;Abstract
Background: Kangaroo mother care (KMC) is a proven, low-cost intervention that improves survival and outcomes for preterm infants. However, its uptake remains suboptimal, and data on KMC implementation across African hospitals are limited.
Objective: To document the current resources and practices related to KMC provision in hospitals within the African Neonatal Network.
Methods: Fourteen hospitals in the African Neonatal Network responded to an annual facility survey and a health facility survey co
-developed by faculty in the African Neonatal Network and Vermont Oxford Network. Additionally, a point-prevalence audit was conducted to evaluate KMC provision for all eligible preterm infants on a single day. All analyses use descriptive statistics.
Results: Only one hospital had a fully operational immediate kangaroo mother care (iKMC) unit, though four others were in the
process of establishing one. The spot audit showed that 50% of eligible infants were receiving skin-to-skin care at the time of assessment, and of those, 43% had received at least 18 hours of skinto- skin contact in the previous 24 hours. However, in five hospitals, no infants had received any skinto- skin care in the preceding 24 hours. Key barriers to establishing iKMC units included inadequate space, equipment shortages, staffing constraints, and concerns about safety.
Conclusion: While KMC and iKMC are being implemented in the African Neonatal Network hospitals, significant gaps remain in resource availability and practice consistency. This study identifies key challenges and opportunities for improvement, highlighting the need for continued monitoring and targeted interventions to enhance the provision of highquality KMC.
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