UNICEF Burundi has played a pivotal role in reforming therapeutic stabilization, pediatrics, and neonatology services at Gitega Regional Hospital. During a recent visit on September 20th, 2023, Adam Liaw from UNICEF Australia led a delegation that was joined by UNICEF Burundi's team under new Representative France Begin. They witnessed firsthand the profound impact of interventions on healthcare quality.
With steadfast UNICEF Burundi support, Gitega Hospital has extended vital medical and child welfare services to over five thousand children in 2022 alone. This attests to their unwavering commitment to the region's children.
One mother, thirty-one-year-old Annociate Nduwimana, whose sixteen-month-old son was admitted to the therapeutic stabilization unit for severe malnutrition, struggled to express her immense gratitude. She recounted through tears how professionals resuscitated her child back to health, and how she now sees a bright future.
Beyond equipping Gitega Hospital's child care services, Dr. Eric Ndihokubwayo praised UNICEF Burundi's ongoing backing. "Our personnel gained from skill-building training. We now have access to vital medical machines, including oxygen devices, concentrators, pulse oximeters, and incubators. We are glad that UNICEF has vowed to widen the cramped neonatology service building," he said.
However, regardless of the considerable medical protection for children, management expresses concern about the 4% relapse rate after treatment and advice on proper nutrition for mothers. This is attributed to non-adherence to recommendations supplied by healthcare staff and the challenging access to balanced and nutritious sustenance among households. Patients echo these worries as the hospital attempts to expand its services while navigating resource constraints. Further community support is needed to ensure families can properly care for their children post-discharge.
