Dr. Kunda Mutesu Kapembwa, a pediatrician and neonatologist in Zambia, discusses challenges in neonatology, treating TPN babies, creating nursing training programs, developing guidelines based on available resources, challenges of working in the public sector, and creating a nonprofit organization to disseminate information and provide training in neonatology.
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Quick takeaways
Improvisation and innovation are crucial in providing effective and low-cost interventions for neonatal care in low-resource settings.
Training and capacity building, as well as standardized care guidelines, are essential for improving neonatal care and preventing burnout.
Deep dives
Dr. Kunda's Journey to Becoming a Neonatologist
Dr. Kunda Mutesu Kapuemba shares her journey of becoming a pediatrician and then deciding to specialize in neonatology. After realizing her passion for working with children, she noticed the lack of attention given to newborn care and the high infant mortality rates. Motivated to make a difference, she pursued neonatal training to address the urgent need for improved neonatal care and to save more babies' lives.
Challenges and Innovations in Low-Resource Settings
Dr. Kunda discusses the challenges she faced when returning to Zambia, including limited resources and technology in the public sector. She highlights the need for innovation and improvisation to provide effective and low-cost interventions for newborn care. She shares examples such as developing makeshift CPAP devices and using creative methods to ventilate babies in respiratory distress. Despite the challenges, Dr. Kunda emphasizes the importance of understanding the basics of neonatal care, such as warmth, breastfeeding, and infection prevention, which can significantly impact outcomes.
Advocacy, Training, and Guideline Development
Dr. Kunda discusses her role in advocating for improved neonatal care in Zambia through various initiatives. She co-founded Newborn Support Zambia, a non-profit organization aimed at disseminating information, training healthcare professionals, and improving access to equipment and resources. She highlights the development of guidelines and protocols to standardize care and improve outcomes. Additionally, Dr. Kunda emphasizes the importance of training and capacity building, including the creation of postgraduate programs for nursing and medical officers interested in neonatology.
Impact and Retention of Neonatal Specialists
Dr. Kunda addresses the challenges of retaining neonatal specialists in low-resource settings. She discusses the need to train and empower more healthcare professionals in neonatal care to share the workload and prevent burnout. Dr. Kunda also highlights the importance of leadership and buy-in from healthcare providers and stakeholders. She emphasizes the significance of celebrating small victories and milestones in improving neonatal care, while also recognizing the importance of self-care and avoiding burnout.
Dr. Kunda Mutesu-Kapembwa is a Paediatrician and Neonatologist working in Zambia. She holds a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery, a Master in Paediatrics and Child Health, a Certificate and Master of Philosophy in Neonatology. Her career is dedicated to nursing and doctorsโ education and to the health of neonates and their families. She Co-founded Newborn Support Zambia, a not for profit Non-Governmental Organization to help improve the care of neonates in Zambia.
As always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below.
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