Key Statistics
Early cranial ultrasound screening and Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) screening were introduced to detect complications before they become irreversible. Regular mortality review meetings ensure that each loss is examined carefully, reinforcing a culture of learning and accountability. Beyond acute treatment, the High-Risk Infant Clinic follow-up program strengthens continuity of care after discharge, recognizing that survival is only the first step toward healthy development.
A Defining Milestone: iKMC
A defining milestone has been the continued implementation of Immediate Kangaroo Mother Care (iKMC) — initiating skin-to-skin contact within the first hours of life, even for unstable preterm infants.
Bushulo is the first facility in Ethiopia to implement this model and serves as a national study site in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, the World Health Organization, and Hawassa University. Through this work, the hospital contributes not only to individual survival, but to national evidence shaping newborn care standards.
Clinical Capacity Expanded
Clinical capacity expanded significantly. The NICU is now equipped with radiant warmers, incubators, mechanical ventilators, infusion pumps, a central monitoring system for continuous observation, and portable X-ray imaging that reduces the need to transport critically ill neonates.
Expanded use of non-invasive ventilation, Neo-Puff resuscitation, surfactant therapy, and caffeine citrate has improved outcomes for extremely preterm infants with respiratory distress.