Newborn Essential Services and Technologies (NEST)

Improving newborn care through essential equipment, training, and biomedical systems

Overview

The NEST Kenya project was part of a global effort to improve survival and outcomes for small and sick newborns by ensuring access to affordable, reliable, and appropriate medical technologies. In collaboration with Rice University and KEMRI, CPHD completed the procurement, installation, and clinical training for the NEST bundle of equipment across selected hospitals in Kenya.

The Problem

Every year, thousands of Kenyan newborns die from preventable causes including hypothermia, respiratory distress, and infections due to the lack of basic life-saving equipment at primary care facilities.

Mismatched Devices

Equipment is often too complex, too fragile, or incompatible with local resources including inconsistent power supply.

Inadequate Training

Healthcare workers lack proper instruction in how to use and troubleshoot equipment effectively.

Weak Maintenance Systems

Biomedical support systems are inadequate, leading to long downtimes and equipment loss.

What we did

Procurement & Installation

CPHD supported the sourcing and deployment of the NEST bundle, a package of evidence-based, affordable equipment including:

Neonatal CPAP machines
Radiant warmers
Phototherapy units
Oxygen concentrators
Pulse oximeters

Clinical Training

CPHD trained 154 healthcare workers across multiple counties including nurses, pediatricians, and clinical officers on:

Setting up and safely operating NEST360 technologies
Applying clinical protocols per WHO guidelines
Troubleshooting and basic maintenance
CPAP use from indications to weaning

Biomedical Systems

Recognizing that training alone is not enough, CPHD also:

Designed a biomedical training program
Trained 36 biomedical engineers and technicians
Provided onsite technical support
Strengthened maintenance systems

Our impact

13

Hospitals Equipped

154

Clinicians Trained

36

Biomedical Technicians

10

Counties Reached

Project Locations Across Kenya

Installations were done at 13 healthcare facilities across 10 counties (Kisumu, Nakuru, Embu, Nairobi, Kiambu, Kakamega, Bungoma, Machakos, Nyeri, Kirinyaga), ensuring compatibility with existing infrastructure and energy supply. These facilities received the full NEST360 equipment bundle, including bubble CPAP machines, oxygen concentrators, suction machines, pulse oximeters, phototherapy units, radiant warmers, and light meters.

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