Support Babies Without Borders's Mission
Babies Without Borders
Babies Without Borders (BWB) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to addressing the high rates of infant and neonatal mortality and morbidity in the developing world. We bring together individuals who are passionate about making a difference and connect them with towns, hospitals, organizations, and individuals in need of assistance. While our focus is on babies, we also serve as a clearinghouse for skilled volunteers looking to contribute their knowledge and skills to improve lives in developing areas.
To achieve our mission, BWB has developed seven primary programs aimed at improving the survival and outcomes of vulnerable infants. We enlist the services of volunteer medical personnel, including neonatologists, pediatricians, nurses, respiratory therapists, nutritionists, lactation specialists, pharmacists, medical studuents, and more, to implement these initiatives effectively.
The birth of BWB is just the beginning of our comprehensive approach to addressing healthcare challenges in underdeveloped nations.
Adapted from Soliz A, Chandler BD, Thurren P, Lozano C. Babies Without Borders. International Pediatrics 2007;22(4).
OUR PROGRAMS
Practical Education for Lifelong Success
While there are numerous medical education conferences and courses worldwide, they often fail to reach the areas where they are most needed. Additionally, the implementation of knowledge gathered at these conferences is hindered by the vast gap between current medical knowledge and the limited resources available in developing nations. To bridge this gap, our volunteers travel to different parts of the world to collaborate with local healthcare providers and offer hands-on training. This approach involves evaluating the capabilities of host centers, maximizing the use of local resources, and sharing practical knowledge and medical equipment to improve outcomes. The relationship between our volunteers and the host centers extends beyond their time on-site, ensuring ongoing support and collaboration.
Bags of Life
Birth asphyxia poses a significant threat to newborns, with millions suffering from it annually. By providing training in neonatal resuscitation and supplying resuscitation bags at no cost, we aim to reduce the incidence of death and brain damage caused by birth asphyxia. The outcomes of these interventions are continuously monitored through follow-up visits and on-site evaluations.
Bubbles of Life
Respiratory distress syndrome is a leading cause of neonatal mortality and morbidity in premature infants. Many medical facilities in the developing world lack the resources to afford neonatal respirators, resulting in high mortality rates. Through the use of bubble continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) units, which can be produced at low cost using materials readily available in even rudimentary medical facilities, we aim to treat premature infants with respiratory distress syndrome effectively. Our volunteers educate medical personnel on this technology and provide the necessary equipment and methodology to produce bubble CPAP units.
Nectar of Life
Neonatal and infant malnutrition is a significant problem in the developing world, impacting somatic growth and neurological development. Through education on breastfeeding and breast milk expression, we promote best nutritional practices for infants, recognizing breastmilk as the most practical and appropriate nourishment. Addressing malnutrition not only benefits individuals but also has positive effects on entire communities and regions.
Hugs of Life
Many neonatal units in developing countries face overcrowding and a shortage of nurses, hindering the provision of individualized care. Our volunteers promote kangaroo care, an innovative program that involves parents actively participating in the care of premature infants. Studies have shown substantial benefits from kangaroo care, and we aim to teach and promote this technique at host facilities.
Light of Life
Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a major cause of childhood blindness, often associated with the excessive and inadequately monitored administration of oxygen to premature infants. By supporting evidence-based efforts to decrease the incidence of severe ROP and providing the necessary equipment, we aim to prevent vision loss in these infants.
Life without Bugs
Infections are a leading cause of neonatal and infant mortality and morbidity worldwide. By educating medical personnel and local populations on basic hygiene practices and aseptic techniques, we seek to significantly reduce the incidence of infections in infants in the developing world.