Yesterday marked a significant milestone in our collective efforts to enhance neonatal healthcare in Nigeria as the Wellbeing Foundation Africa hosted the Project Oscar – Light For Life Inception Stakeholder Meeting. This gathering convened key stakeholders committed to improving neonatal health outcomes and tackling one of the most preventable contributors to neonatal mortality: Neonatal Jaundice.

Neonatal jaundice remains a leading yet preventable cause of neonatal mortality and lifelong disabilities. Tackling this challenge requires a well-coordinated, systemic approach that ensures every newborn has access to timely screening, effective treatment, and a robust referral system. The Project Oscar – Light For Life program aims to bridge these critical gaps in neonatal care, ensuring a healthier start for Nigeria’s newborns.

The Project Oscar – Light For Life: The Neonatal Jaundice Screening, Treatment, and Kernicterus Prevention Program, led by the Wellbeing Foundation Africa and supported by our social impact partners Reckitt, bridges critical gaps in neonatal care through collaboration with sub-partners, including NEST360, Solina Centre for International Development and Research – SCIDaR, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, and the Lagos State Government, to strengthen healthcare systems and improve newborn survival rates.

Key Focus Areas from the Stakeholder Meeting

During the meeting, discussions centered on vital aspects of neonatal healthcare, including:

• Enhancing early identification and referral processes.
• Addressing challenges within the current referral system.
• Implementing effective interventions to prevent kernicterus.
• Defining stakeholder roles to ensure a comprehensive and sustainable approach.

At the core of our strategy is reinforcing primary-to-tertiary healthcare linkages. We are committed to ensuring that no newborn is left behind due to systemic inefficiencies or delays in accessing life-saving care.

A Commitment to Frontline Engagement and Capacity Building

In my goodwill message, I underscored the profound impact of our programming, which has led to the screening of thousands of newborns, the training of healthcare professionals, and the education of mothers on recognizing early symptoms. Beyond technology and training, community engagement remains an essential pillar in securing healthier futures for our newborns.

A heartfelt appreciation goes out to all our partners, including Prof. Chinyere Ezeaka, Dr. Adekitan, and the dedicated medical, midwifery, and nursing leaders from the 18 participating healthcare facilities. Their expertise and unwavering dedication continue to shape the landscape of neonatal care in Nigeria.

Together, we are lighting the path to a future where every newborn has a fighting chance at life.

 

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