The Africa Eye Imaging Centre, in partnership with U.S.-based NGO Zero Blind Babies, has donated neonatal care equipment valued at $67,000 to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) to enhance care for premature infants in Ghana.
The donation includes:
- 20 neonatal oxygen blenders
- 20 Lifebox pulse oximeters
- 15 Pumani and 10 Vayu bubble CPAP respiratory support devices
This initiative aims to improve oxygen therapy and prevent Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) — a leading cause of blindness in preterm infants. ROP occurs when the retina fails to develop properly, especially in babies born before 30 weeks or weighing less than two kilograms.
Over the past year, Africa Eye Imaging Centre has partnered with KATH to pioneer sub-Saharan Africa’s first ROP screening program using a $30,000 portable retinal camera. Since August 2024, more than 3,000 screenings have been conducted across the Ashanti Region, successfully treating over 25 babies and preventing irreversible blindness.
Dr. Akwasi Agyeman Ahmed, CEO of the Africa Eye Imaging Centre and ophthalmologist at KATH, noted the urgency of the intervention:
“We saw a rise in blind preterm babies—something that could’ve been avoided with early screening. This led us to collaborate with Zero Blind Babies to launch this life-saving program. In countries like the U.S., hospitals can face lawsuits if ROP is left untreated because it’s preventable. Ghana must take this seriously too.”
The program has since expanded to include the Accra Regional Hospital and Tamale Teaching Hospital, with three active ROP screening centres nationwide.
Dr. Ahmed emphasized that improper oxygen administration is a key ROP risk. Premature babies often receive 100% oxygen, which can damage their eyes. The new oxygen blenders allow for precise control of oxygen levels, improving safety and outcomes.
KATH’s NICU, a 130-bed facility, has long faced equipment shortages. With fewer than 20 monitors and only 4–5 respiratory support devices for its 18-bed acute preterm ward, staff often rotate limited machines among critically ill infants.
Welcoming the donation, Dr. Naana Wireko Brobbey, neonatologist and deputy head of the NICU at KATH, said:
“These oxygen blenders, monitors, and CPAP devices will significantly enhance our ability to deliver safe oxygen therapy and closely monitor our patients. It’s a real game-changer for neonatal care.”
She added that the improved equipment and screening services will help reduce neonatal deaths and align with Ghana’s commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
