A lifesaving connection for a mother and her newborn in Nigeria

Just seven days after giving birth to her first child, a mother in Kaduna, Nigeria, was worried about her newborn son who was rapidly becoming quite sick. His alarming symptoms included: a persistent fever, yellowing skin, a weak and abnormal cry, and difficulty feeding.

She brought him to Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital, a major tertiary care center and crucial healthcare provider for the region. The dedicated staff at Barau Dikko work hard to care for their community despite many challenges, from a lack of resources to healthcare provider shortages.

The medical staff quickly realized the severity of the baby boy’s condition, which required immediate intervention with support from a specialist. Through the World Telehealth Initiative (WTI) program, local clinicians at the hospital reached out to Dr. Reiss, a neonatologist in the Netherlands. WTI connects medical specialists worldwide with local clinicians in Kaduna to collaborate and support patient care. Specialists provide regular bedside telehealth consults and host educational sessions on pediatric sub-specialties for clinicians to expand on their skills and knowledge.

The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital

Dr. Reiss assessed the baby's condition and consulted with the local team via telehealth. He diagnosed the baby boy with severe neonatal jaundice complicated by kernicterus, a life-threatening condition that can lead to seizures, hearing loss, and permanent brain damage if not treated promptly.

The urgency was clear. The onsite team at Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital quickly conducted a blood test and performed a blood transfusion to treat the baby. Thanks to the swift and expert guidance from Dr. Reiss and the immediate action by the local clinicians, the baby boy received the critical care he needed.

By bridging the gap between local healthcare providers and international specialists, telehealth has proven to be a lifesaving tool. Nigeria has one of the highest under-five mortality rates globally—68.5 deaths per 1,000 live births. This boy’s story underscores the vital importance of timely medical expertise and the power of technology to provide hope and lifesaving care to children and families in need.