UNICEF, Korea Unite to Save Newborn Lives in Cameroon
UNICEF and Republic of Korea partner to cut newborn deaths in Cameroon by boosting health systems, improving WASH in clinics, raising awareness, and uniting key players in the health sector.
Cameroon continues to face a high burden of child mortality, with one in six children dying before reaching their fifth birthday. Alarmingly, nearly one-third of these deaths occur during the neonatal period—the first 28 days of life.
The COVID-19 pandemic further exposed critical gaps in the nation’s healthcare infrastructure, highlighting the urgent need for reliable access to medical oxygen, the continuity of essential maternal and child health services during public health crises, and improved hygiene practices both in communities and healthcare facilities.
In response, UNICEF and its partners are leading initiatives to promote Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC), a proven, low-cost method for caring for premature and low-birth-weight infants in Cameroon’s Adamawa and East regions. KMC involves skin-to-skin contact between mother and baby, fostering bonding while helping to regulate the infant’s temperature, breathing, and heart rate.
Transforming Neonatal Care in Meiganga
Before the KMC initiative, newborns requiring specialised care were typically referred to the Ngaoundéré Regional Hospital, a process marked by delays and limited medical resources. Dr. Hervé Goufon, Director of the Regional Hospital Annexe in Meiganga, shared how the landscape has changed.
“Initially, we didn’t have a dedicated space or the necessary equipment to teach parents about Kangaroo Mother Care,” Dr. Goufon explained. “There was very little awareness of the method, even among healthcare staff. As a result, we often referred babies to Ngaoundéré, but even there, facilities lacked pediatricians or neonatologists. Thanks to the project, six of our staff members received hands-on training during a three-week internship program. Now, we are equipped to care for these vulnerable newborns right here.”
Beyond KMC, the initiative addresses other critical neonatal health challenges, including the management of early neonatal infections such as jaundice and yellow fever. Healthcare workers were trained to identify and manage these conditions effectively.
In addition to training healthcare providers, the project also targeted women-led associations to play a vital role in advocating for, encouraging, and educating pregnant women within their communities about the Kangaroo Mother Care method. The training focused on equipping these women with practical knowledge about the KMC method and its benefits for both mothers and newborns.
“During our training, we learned that the Kangaroo Mother Care method is a highly effective, cost-free technique that requires a soft, fabric-like cloth to protect the baby’s delicate skin,” Asta Samira, Head of Société Cooperative Risqou, a women-led organisation in Belel, explained. “Before wrapping the baby, the parent or caregiver must ensure strict hygiene. Once that’s done, the baby is placed directly on the mother’s bare chest so that their hearts touch, allowing the baby to feel the mother’s heartbeat. We were told this process helps premature babies develop a stable heart rate and supports their overall growth and well-being.”
As part of efforts to improve maternal and child health in the region, the project didn’t stop at promoting Kangaroo Mother Care alone. It also recognised the need to empower women with broader knowledge and practical tools to protect both themselves and their babies.
“Beyond the KMC method, we also received training on preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV/AIDS, the importance of routine vaccinations, and how to encourage women in our community to attend antenatal check-ups, starting from the early stages of pregnancy all the way through to delivery,” added Yadang Gouane, member of Femme Dynamique de Belel.
State-of-the-Art Facilities and Equipment
A cornerstone of the project was the complete rehabilitation of the neonatal care unit at the hospital. The upgraded facility was equipped with essential tools such as incubators, infection prevention materials, baby wraps, resting chairs for mothers, and heating lamps. Most notably, an on-site oxygen plant was installed to ensure that newborns with respiratory challenges receive immediate and free access to lifesaving oxygen.
“Most premature babies suffer from breathing difficulties,” Dr. Goufon noted. “Thanks to UNICEF, we now have our oxygen plant. This means oxygen is readily available for newborns in need, at no cost.”
Security and infection control have also been significantly improved. The restructured KMC centre now features better monitoring systems to manage visitor access, which helps reduce the risk of infections, a concern with the previous open-access setup.
“Our former KMC space lacked adequate infection control,” Dr. Goufon said. “Now, with restricted access and a dedicated setup, we can better protect these fragile infants.”
A Lifesaving Impact
By enhancing both infrastructure and medical training, this joint initiative between UNICEF and the Republic of Korea is ensuring that vulnerable newborns receive the care they need at the right time and in the right place. With the implementation of Kangaroo Mother Care and the provision of critical medical supplies, Cameroon is taking bold steps toward reducing neonatal mortality and safeguarding the lives of its youngest citizens.
As Dr. Goufon proudly concludes, “Today, I can confidently say we have the best KMC centre in the region.”
