Introductions

The health system in Cameroon faces many challenges, including the lack of incubators in health facilities. These equipment are essential for the care of newborns, especially those who are born prematurely or suffer from medical complications. This article examines the issues related to this lack, its consequences on the health of newborns and possible solutions.

Importance of Incubators

Incubators are crucial for the protection of fragile newborns. They provide a controlled environment in terms of temperature, humidity and oxygen, which is vital for premature babies who cannot regulate their body temperature. In addition, these devices allow the monitoring of vital signs and the administration of medical treatments.

Issues of the Lack of Incubators

Insufficient Resources

Cameroon suffers from a lack of adequate health infrastructure, particularly with regard to incubators. Many hospitals, especially in rural areas, lack these facilities. The cost of purchasing and maintaining incubators is a major obstacle for many facilities.

High Mortality Rate

This shortage directly impacts the infant mortality rate. According to UNICEF, Cameroon has one of the highest rates in Africa. Newborns who do not receive appropriate care due to the lack of incubators are more likely to develop complications that lead to preventable deaths.

Regional Inequalities

There are significant disparities in access to care between urban and rural areas. Large cities often have better infrastructure, while rural areas are neglected, exacerbating health inequalities.

Consequences on Newborn Health

The lack of incubators can have several negative impacts. Medical Complications: premature or sick babies without access to appropriate care can develop infections and other serious complications. Long-Term Development: newborns who do not receive adequate care may suffer from poor physical and mental development. Stress on Families: parents of sick babies may experience significant emotional stress, compounded by the fear of losing their child.

Potential Solutions

Strengthening Health Infrastructure

Investing in health infrastructure is crucial to increasing the number of incubators available. This requires adequate planning and funding from the government and international partners.

Training of Medical Personnel

Training medical personnel in the use and maintenance of incubators is essential to maximize their effectiveness. Adequate training can include newborn care techniques.

Conclusion

The lack of incubators in the Cameroonian health system represents a major challenge for newborn health. Faced with high infant mortality rates and inequalities in access to care, urgent action must be taken. By investing in infrastructure, collaborating with NGOs and training medical personnel, Cameroon can improve the health of newborns and reduce preventable deaths.