China hands over medical supplies to improve newborn health in Tigray, SNNP

Addis Ababa, June 11, 2021 (FBC) – The Chinese Government, through its international aid agency, the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDAC), has handed over medical supplies to the Ministry of Health procured by UNICEF to improve the quality of health care provided to newborn babies in two zones of Tigray and SNNP regions in Ethiopia.

The medical supplies are part of the project entitled “Improving the quality of health care provided to newborn babies in two zones of Tigray and SNNP regions, Ethiopia,” launched in March 2020. It covers 61 health centers, 229 health posts, and six primary hospitals in the two regions. An estimated 94,000 pregnant women and newborn babies are expected to benefit from the project.

The supplies handed over to the Ministry include continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) bubbles with canula for newborn babies, hand operated neonate resuscitators, oxygen concentrators, neonatal room thermometers, pulse oximeters, midwifery equipment, delivery beds, and other essential supplies crucial for the survival of newborns.

In addition to tailored procurement of these essential supplies and equipment, the support from the Chinese government helps to improve the quality of health care for newborn babies through competency-based training of health workers, clinical mentorship, and supporting data reporting and use by health practitioners across the primary health care system – health posts, health centres, and primary hospitals.