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Cost-Effective Asphyxia Intervention in Aceh
Presenter: Ms. Aya Caldwell, CIMIT Global Health Initiative

Birth asphyxia is the third leading cause of neonatal deaths accounting for 1 million deaths annually worldwide. Simple resuscitation methods, when preformed accurately, can reduce these deaths by 70-80%. The Ambu Bag, the gold standard, costs $30 to $50 in areas we have trained. PATH has conducted several device evaluations and found a tube and mask device, costing $8-$10, is as effective. In Aceh, Indonesia, the health system was disrupted by the 2004 Tsunami and the preceding civil conflict. There had been no continuing medical education for the midwives for 9 years before the Tsunami. In 2005 CIMIT Global Health Initiative with Indonesian Ministry of Health, and International Organization of Migration, developed a Training of the Trainer network of midwives. The modules are concise, on-site, and integrated into the existing health system. It included neonatal resuscitation training along with a tube and mask device called “Tekno Tube.” This device was manufactured, but not yet scaled in Indonesia. The program has trained over 500 midwives and continues today. Furthermore, it fostered a robust continuing medical education infrastructure where other modules can be taught. Though designed as a humanitarian response, the paucity of literature in community interventions for asphyxia warranted an evaluation completed in February, 2009. Evaluation methods included a survey, focus group, and device durability. Although in the midst of analysis, initial results are promising. The relatively low cost of this intervention, ease of training and potential local manufacturing capabilities allows potential for scaling this intervention globally.

Web Site: www.cimit.org/programs-globalhealth.html
Contact: acaldwell1@partners.org

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