National Assembly Gender Committee Urges Immediate Expansion of Incubators at EFSTH Neonatal Unit

By Fatou Sillah

The National Assembly on Thursday adopted the report of the Gender Committee following its nationwide oversight tour of selected orphanages, rehabilitation centers, children’s facilities, and the Juvenile Wing conducted from May 5–10, 2025.

Presenting the findings, the committee’s vice chairperson, Hon. Fatou Cham, warned that conditions at the Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital’s Neonatal Unit demand urgent intervention.

Under its general recommendations, the committee called on the Ministry of Health to immediately increase the number of incubators and radiant warmers to prevent newborns from sharing equipment and to ensure timely, safe thermal care.

“The Ministry of Health should urgently increase the number of incubators and radiant warmers in the Neonatal Unit to prevent multiple babies from sharing equipment and ensure timely and safe thermal care for all newborns, especially during peak periods,” the report states.

According to the committee, the Neonatal Unit currently operates with 15 incubators and only one radiant warmer. During the oversight visit, members observed two newborns sharing a single incubator—a situation the unit’s matron said becomes significantly worse during peak seasons.

“This was not desired according to the matron, who informed the committee that at peak season, it can be up to four babies sharing one incubator,” Hon. Cham reported.

The committee further noted that the lone radiant warmer is sometimes used for as many as four infants at once, leaving other newborns waiting extended periods for heat support. Nurses also told the committee that mothers in the intensive care unit often hold their babies on their laps to keep them warm while waiting for available equipment.

High mortality rates at the unit remain a major concern. Nurses said many babies arrive from other facilities in critical condition due to late referrals.

“The committee was informed that the high rate is because babies are transferred from other facilities after referral, and most times, they are referred very late and in very critical conditions,” Hon. Cham said.

The report also highlighted shortages of phototherapy machines and an overall inadequate supply of incubators, challenges that continue to undermine neonatal care outcomes at the country’s main teaching hospital.

Parliament has formally adopted the committee’s report and its recommendations.