The Incubator Global Neonatal Podcast

In this episode, Mbozu and Shelly-Ann sit down with Isabelle Furaha, a Congolese-born mother living in Uganda, whose experience with prematurity and loss led her to create Mama Tulia Ministries. After losing a 26-week infant and later bringing home a daughter born at 33 weeks due to preeclampsia, Isabelle committed herself to supporting other mothers facing the same fear and uncertainty. What bega...

In this episode, Mbozu and Shelly-Ann sit down with Dr. Naana Wireko Brobby, a neonatologist leading national efforts to strengthen newborn care in Ghana. She shares a grounded view of daily life at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, where high patient volumes, resource constraints, and continuous teaching shape clinical work. The conversation traces her journey into neonatology, then moves into syst...

In this episode, we explore a decade-long journey to transform newborn care in Ghana's Hohoe region, focusing on family systems of care, cross-cultural research collaborations, and innovative training approaches. In this episode we explore  •The healthcare landscape for small and sick newborns in Ghana's Volta region •The concept and application of family systems care versus family-cente...

In this episode, Mbozu and Shelly-Ann sit down with Dr. Bharati Datta and Dr. Josel Doyle for a conversation that spans four decades and one very full circle moment. Over 40 years ago, Dr. Datta arrived in St. Vincent and the Grenadines from India as the only pediatrician on the island. One of the tiny preterm babies she cared for, weighing barely over a pound at discharge, grew up to become a neo...

In this episode, Shelly-Ann and Mbozu sit down with a few members of the Parents Neonatal Intensive Care Charity affiliated with the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Barbados.  Heidi and Andrew Hutchinson, parents of a baby born at 30 weeks who is now a practicing lawyer, share how they transitioned from frightened NICU parents to decades-long advocates. June Walton and Cheryl Walrond, retired NICU nur...

Dr. Naiza Ngowo Monono, the sole pediatrician at Limbe Regional Hospital in Cameroon for nearly a decade, shares how she reduced neonatal mortality to 16 per 1,000—well below the national average. Key interventions included implementing hygiene protocols, training staff on danger sign recognition and neonatal resuscitation, task-shifting responsibilities to nurses and general practitioners, scalin...

Join hosts Shelly-Ann Dakarai and Mbozu Sipalo as they celebrate two incredible years of the Global Neonatal Podcast! Dive into their journey of global connections, where starting small, embracing teamwork, and learning from diverse neonatal health heroes have been key. A heartfelt thank you to our amazing listeners—your support fuels our passion! We're excited to continue this journey and br...

In this episode, Mbozu and Shelly-Ann are joined by Jean Musonda-Chintende, a critical care nurse and national trainer in advanced newborn care with the Ministry of Health in Zambia. Jean shares her decade-long journey in neonatal intensive care and her leadership in building and mentoring neonatal units across the country. She discusses the process of setting up special care baby units in hospita...

In this episode, Mbozu interviews Dr. Olufunke Bolaji, consultant pediatrician and neonatologist at the Federal Teaching Hospital Ido-Ekiti, shares her journey into neonatology, driven by mentorship, a love for children, and global learning experiences in Nigeria and the UK. She describes leading a high-performing neonatal unit in a rural Nigerian setting that has achieved Level 3 care, supported...

In this episode, Mbozu and Shelly-Ann are joined by Dr Kate Kan, Consultant Pediatrician and the director of the Neonatal Unit at theRegional hospital in Bamenda Cameroon. During the discussion, Dr Kan describes her journey from aspiring pediatrician to her current role as the head of the Neonatal Unit at her institution. She describes some of the challenges as well as  the progress that is being...

In this episode, Dr. Ruth Grace Babirekoba discusses the transformative efforts in newborn care in Uganda, emphasizing the importance of collaboration among healthcare professionals. She shares insights on the National Surfactant Administration Protocol and her personal journey in maternal and newborn health, highlighting the significance of mentorship and self-care for future leaders in healthcar...

In this episode, Dr. Rajesh Mehta  shares his extensive journey in pediatrics, detailing the evolution of newborn care in India, the challenges faced in providing quality healthcare, and the importance of continuous improvement in neonatal care practices. The conversation highlights the significant strides made in reducing neonatal mortality rates while addressing the ongoing challenges in healthc...

In this episode, Dr. Marlon Timothy shares his journey as a neonatologist, discussing his experiences in Trinidad and Tobago and the evolution of neonatal care. He highlights the challenges faced upon returning from training in Toronto, the establishment of neonatal units, and the implementation of therapeutic hypothermia. Dr. Timothy emphasizes the importance of training and collaboration in impr...

In this conversation, the guests from World Pediatrics discuss their mission to improve pediatric healthcare, particularly focusing on neonatal care. They highlight the significant global issues of infant mortality and the need for advanced healthcare access in underserved communities. The discussion covers the organization's history, the shift towards neonatal care, funding challenges, and t...

In this episode, Tasmin Bota shares her  journey as a mother of a premature baby and the founder of Preemie Connect. Tasmin shares about her traumatic birth experience, the challenges faced in the NICU, and the lack of emotional support for parents of premature infants. Tasmin also highlights the motivation behind creating Preemie Connect as a way to fill the gap in support and resources for famil...

In this episode, Shelly-Ann interviews Professor Karen Walker and Edith Gicheha about the importance of specialized training in neonatal nursing, the challenges faced in low and middle-income contexts, and the role of COIN (Council of International Neonatal Nurses) in advocating for improved neonatal care globally. They discuss the significance of continuous education, the establishment of the Com...

In this special episode of the Global Neonatal Podcast, hosts Mbozu and Shelly-Ann take a reflective journey through the year, revisiting key insights from conversations with four inspiring change makers in newborn health: Dr. Kunda Kapembwa (Zambia), Dr. Clyde Cave and Dr. Gillian Birchwood (Barbados), Dr. Guilherme Sant’Anna (Brazil), and Dr. Pradeep Suryawanshi (India).

In this episode of the Global Neonatal Podcast, Dr. Msandeni Chiume-Kayuni shares her inspiring journey into pediatrics and neonatal health in Malawi. As the chief pediatrician for Malawi's Ministry of Health, she discusses the significant strides made in neonatal survival, the importance of data collection, and the role of partnerships in improving healthcare outcomes. Dr. Msandeni emphasize...

In this episode of the Global Neonatal Podcast, Dr. Om Krishna Pathak shares his journey into neonatology, his experiences at Bharatpur Hospital in Nepal, and the various initiatives he has implemented to improve neonatal care. He discusses the challenges faced in developing a NICU, the importance of empowering nursing staff, and the significance of quality improvement projects. Dr. Pathak also hi...

In this episode of the Global Neonatal Podcast, hosts Mbozu and Shelly- Ann interview Dr. Gae Mundundu and Dr. Ritah Nazziwa, neonatal fellows in the African Paediatric Fellowship Program (APFP) at the University of Cape Town. During the conversation Dr. Mundundu and Dr Nazziwa  discuss neonatal services in their home countries of Zambia and Uganda, as well as their experiences as neonatal fellows...

In this episode, Dr. Guilherme Sant’Anna, a professor of pediatrics at McGill University, shares his journey in neonatology and his work in Brazil and Canada. He discusses the challenges and rewards of working in neonatal care and the differences between the healthcare systems in Brazil and Canada. Dr. Sant’Anna  also talks about the impact of the Neonatologia Brasil Facebook group, which he creat...

This episode of the Global Neonatal Podcast features reflections from the Tiny Feet Big Steps Conference, highlighting the growth and impact of neonatal care initiatives in Africa. Dr. Steven Swanson and Dr. Margaret Nakaketo share insights on the importance of networking, quality improvement, and the future of neonatology in the region. The conversation emphasizes collaboration, the need for real...

In this episode, Mbozu and Shelly-Ann are joined by Dr. Clyde Cave and Dr. Gillian Birchwood. The conversation explores the neonatal care in Barbados, focusing on the challenges faced and the incremental changes made to improve the care provided. Dr. Cave and Dr. Birchwood provide an overview of the NICU in Barbados, the early years of the NICU, human resource development, financial challenges and...

In this episode, Mbozu and Shelly-Ann are joined by Professor Pradeep Suryawanshi, a neonatologist, researcher and educator from Pune India. Professor Suryanwanshi discusses his journey as a neonatologist and his work in India and Australia, the process of developing a neonatal care unit and the importance of mentorship. He also discusses  factors contributing to India's progress in neonatal...

In this episode, Dr. Stephen Swanson shares his journey of establishing a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in Arusha, Tanzania. He emphasizes the importance of addressing medical culture and involving nurses, doctors, and families in the care of critically ill and premature babies. Dr. Swanson highlights the success of a low-tech approach, including the use of blended, warmed, and humidified CP...