Abstract

According to an article published by Global Pediatric Health in 2014 concerning a researched conducted in three major hospitals (Hôpital Central de Yaoundé. HCY, Hôpital Gyneco-Obstétrique et Pédiatrique de Yaoundé. HGOPY, and Centre Hospitalier d’Essos.

CHE) in Yaoundé Cameroon because these hospitals account for 85% of the total births in the urban center. Based on the data collected from 2013 – 2017 (5years), it was found out that, 5640 preterm were recorded out of 38151 births, which gives a 14.8%.

The millennium goals of sustainable development aim at maintaining neonatal mortality below 12% [1]. Statistics like this and those from the sub-Saharan African countries remain a tread to this vision. The rate of premature births depends on the strength of health care system, infections mostly arising from inconsistent clinical routines during gestation, inflammation, genetics, hormonal factors and also mechanical factors [1].

Premature births are common in rural areas as most of them cannot afford health care services. This turn to increase the neonatal mortality rate in these areas due to the lack of energy to run machines like the available incubators.

Problem Statement

In Cameroon, nearly 90,000 newborns are born each year with a weight of less than 2,500 g and before the theoretical term of 37 weeks. Of these, nearly 10,000 die for preventable causes and this prematurity is the second leading cause of death before the age of five.

Unfortunately, the lack of a technical platform and the cost of treating premature babies do not encourage their care. The care required for the survival of a premature baby ranges from 600,000 CFA francs to 1,000,000 CFA francs according to the Ministry of Public Health. A sum that is not within the reach of the average Cameroonian.

The cost of caring for premature babies therefore remains high in Cameroon. In addition to the inadequacy of care structures, there is a glaring lack of incubators and when they are present in some hospital units, there is a lack of electrical energy. Equipment such as incubators are in great need.

Main Objective

Objectives

To come up with a 12V DC powered baby incubator that can be integrated with solar energy source and other DC sources.

SPECIFIC Objectives

1. -Improved neonatal outcomes: By increasing access to baby incubators, we can improve neonatal outcomes and reduce mortality and morbidity rates among premature infants.
2. -Increased availability: By using solar-powered systems, we can ensure that baby incubators are available and accessible in areas without reliable electricity.

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