Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) has stepped up efforts to curb newborn deaths associated with hypothermia following the acquisition of specialised neonatal warming equipment.

The hospital received nine advanced conductive warming mattresses which Newborn Essential Solutions and Technologies (NEST360°) supplied to the hospital system under their partnership agreement. The equipment is expected to drastically reduce hypothermia cases among admitted newborns from the current 30–40 per cent to below 10 per cent, improving survival rates.

Hypothermia exists as the main threat which endangers preterm and low-birth-weight infants especially in neonatal units that face resource restrictions when their body temperature drops below 36.5 degrees Celsius.

JOOTRH Chief Executive Officer Dr. Joshua Okise said the donation comes at a crucial time because the hospital recently upgraded its status to a Level 6A National Referral Hospital and now treats more high-risk newborn patients who come from all parts of Nyanza region.

“Maintaining proper temperature, especially at night, has been a major challenge. These warmers will enhance our capacity and have a lasting positive impact on newborn health outcomes,” Dr. Okise said during the handover ceremony held at the Kisumu facility on Sunday.

The CELSI Warmers provide ongoing secure warmth to newborns through their design which makes them suitable for environments that lack incubators and face frequent power outages. The hospital officials stated that equipment will work together with current neonatal care methods which include kangaroo mother care and enhanced infection control measures.

NEST360° partnership demonstrates the growing trend of public health facilities working together with innovative organizations to prevent newborn deaths. JOOTRH management confirmed their dedication to using proven medical technologies which will improve both maternal and neonatal healthcare services.