From January to May 2024, the Koro health district successfully saved the lives of 26 newborns with the assistance of oxygen concentrators donated by Muso to the Koro Reference Health Center (CSRéf). This most recent life-saving intervention took place on May 29, 2024, when a midwife used the equipment to rescue a baby boy delivered via cesarean section at the center.
Koyan Traoré, midwife, attending to a newborn receiving oxygen.
On 29 May 2024, Koyan Traoré, a midwife at the CSRéf in Koro, attended to a newborn in respiratory distress. At birth, the infant was neither breathing nor crying, and displayed concerning coloration and tone. Mrs. Traoré stayed by the newborn's side for over an hour, providing critical care. Unfortunately, the oxygen supply was unavailable at that crucial moment due to an uncharged gas cylinder, a result of the frequent power outages that often disrupt the center’s operations. However, due to Koyan Traoré's perseverance, the newborn’s life was ultimately saved.
This situation brings to light the critical issue of neonatal asphyxia, which remains prevalent in Mali, especially in rural areas like Koro, where insecurity and frequent power outages are common challenges. Our team has been instrumental in supporting the improvement of healthcare services in these regions. In 2022, Muso provided several Referral Centers (CSRéf) in Mali with oxygen concentrators and conducted training for over 200 staff members, including Koyan Traoré, in equipment maintenance, oxygen therapy, and neonatal care. As a result of these efforts, close to 100 newborns and 173 adults in the Mopti region received essential oxygen treatment between January and April 2024.
The security crisis in Mopti also contributes to severely complicating the transfer of pregnant women to health facilities, leading to delays in care. This often results in the birth of babies in respiratory distress. Challenges related to the proper functioning of oxygen circuits in these centers are exacerbated by frequent power outages. Prior to the launch of Muso's activities in the region, the oxygen circuit at the CSRéf in Koro had been out of service for years, forcing the evacuation of patients to Mopti hospital, located 175 km away.
“As a mother and a midwife, I understand the pain families feel when a baby is suffering. Each time I manage to help a newborn breathe, I experience profound relief and great pride. I want to thank Muso for the support and guidance they provide us,” says Koyan Traoré emotionally.
“I didn’t see the doctors at work, but when I woke up, I was very happy to see my baby alive and crying. When the midwife placed my baby on my chest, I felt immense relief,” expresses new mother.
As the demand for oxygen rises, especially during the hot season, it is crucial to continuously replenish oxygen concentrator supplies in health centers, particularly in regions affected by insecurity. Oxygen is vital for rescuing newborns in distress, and Muso is dedicated to meeting this critical need in underserved communities.
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