What we do
Problem Statement
Around the world, one in ten babies are born prematurely, translating to Fifteen million children being born prematurely yearly. In Ghana, about 144,000 babies are born prematurely annually; out of this number, about 9,000 do not survive. Any baby born alive before 37 weeks gestation is considered Preterm. Some causes of premature birth could be traced to multiple pregnancies, infections, and chronic conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure. Asamankese Hospital serves a catchment population of 125,244, stretching from Mepom to Asamankese with a bed capacity of 120. However, its NICU is under-resourced and needs equipping.
Around the world, one in ten babies are born prematurely, translating to Fifteen million children being born prematurely yearly. In Ghana, about 144,000 babies are born prematurely annually; out of this number, about 9,000 do not survive. Any baby born alive before 37 weeks gestation is considered Preterm. Some causes of premature birth could be traced to multiple pregnancies, infections, and chronic conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure. Asamankese Hospital serves a catchment population of 125,244, stretching from Mepom to Asamankese with a bed capacity of 120. However, its NICU is under-resourced and needs equipping.
Scope of Work
All of our activities are voluntary based. At Friends of NICU, our support packages are curated with past NICU parents and professionals. However, we give the hospitals and parents the liberty to engage us based on their needs. A range of NICU Buddy/Peer Support, NICU Professional Support and tailored Care Packages carefully crafted to lessen the burden and make first-hand experiences every step of the way into giant miracles.
Friends of NICU Initiatives
NIC-YOU INITIATIVE
This is an initiative that prioritises support and creating a community for the parent navigating the NICU journey. A concise care package with emphasis on providing information, resources and a human touch. These support intend to help the oftentimes overwhelming experience during admission up until the transitioning home. A parent can directly request for this support by signing up at no cost. This is not limited to family, friends or health care staff who can equally request for loved ones going through a tough time.
NIC-YOU PEER BUDDY
This is a peer to peer initiative designed and carefully curated to extend a hand to parents who are currently in NICU centres. This is a thoughtful and personalised touch to connect and share your journey to find yourself again. The newbie purple NICU parent would be carefully premieed with a veteran purple NICU parent for as long as they wish or may need. This would be a warm and distinctive approach with a humanised connection.
NEOPREEMIE PROGRAMM
We acknowledge that not all preemies needed. The support must not end there. Thus they would also help to process the journey. Getting them emotionally after the loss.