Construction NICU-clinic in Ghana

Construction NICU department for Clinic in Nsoatre, Ghana

Context
In Ghana’s Bono Region, approximately 60 newborn babies die each year who could have survived if they had access to appropriate specialized care. These vulnerable infants require treatment in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). At the outpatient clinic in the town of Nsoatre, located just 30 minutes from the regional capital, there is a unique opportunity to establish a dedicated NICU department that can save the lives of newborns and their mothers. To realize this impactful initiative, MissionInvest aims to raise €100,000.

Partner Organizations
The Dutch Christian foundation Stichting Kinderhulp Ghana based in Rijssen works closely with its Christian partner organization in Ghana, the Heart for Children Foundation (HFC) in Nsoatre. Both organizations are non-governmental organizations (NGO’s) committed to improving the lives of children. They are governed by volunteer boards and supported by dedicated volunteers.

“I, Solomon, was born three weeks before my due date. By what can only be described as a miracle, my parents were able to buy a blanket for me, and by the grace of God I survived. Today, I am able to bless many people through the projects of the Children Foundation Ghana. This is why my mother and I both consider the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) to be of vital importance.” — Solomon, Founder of Children Foundation Ghana

Urgency
The Bono Region is geographically vast and currently has only two hospitals that provide specialized medical care, together offering space for just 50 newborns in existing NICU facilities. With a population of approximately 1.2 million people, this represents a severe capacity shortfall. At the outpatient clinic in Nsoatre alone, around 1,100 babies are born annually. Of these, approximately 430 require additional medical support. Each year, on average 60 of these infants die, despite the fact that their lives could be saved with adequate neonatal care. Complicated deliveries also pose a serious risk to mothers and, in many cases, lead to maternal death, leaving families behind without a mother. Access to specialized care is therefore not only critical, but life-saving!

The NICU Department
In recent years, with the support of Kinderhulp Ghana, a maternity ward has already been established at the outpatient clinic in Nsoatre. This has brought tremendous improvements. Many women now receive proper care during pregnancy and childbirth, but in cases of complications, more specialized assistance and equipment are urgently needed. Currently, when complications arise, the pregnant mother must be transported to a hospital further away; a journey of at least 3 to 4 hours. In many cases, help arrived too late. Driven by this urgency, we aim to construct a specialized NICU unit at the Nsoatre clinic, enabling us to save at least 60 babies and many mothers each year. Once such a unit is in place, the clinic will also automatically gain access to an expanded range of medications they are authorized to prescribe, allowing even more babies and young children to receive the care they need.

Hospital
Currently, the Bono Region has only two hospitals offering a broad range of specialized medical services. The long-term ambition for the Nsoatre outpatient clinic is to become the third hospital in the region. This would not only save the lives of mothers and babies, but also allow the provision of advanced medical care to the wider population. The realization of a NICU department is a crucial step in the clinic’s development into a fully recognized hospital. Once a hospital status is achieved, additional government funding becomes available, enabling further investment in expertise, staffing, and medical training. First, the NICU department is the highest priority, as it has an immediate and direct life-saving impact.

Project Impact

• Up to 100 newborns can receive on-site NICU treatment annually, with at least 60 babies gaining a significantly improved chance of survival.
• More mothers will choose to give birth in Nsoatre, resulting in better outcomes and lower costs for families.
• A major step forward in the transformation of the Nsoatre outpatient clinic into a fully operational hospital, benefiting a much broader population.

“A prematurely born child who dies could have become a pastor, a doctor, a social worker, a philanthropist, a minister, someone who would have contributed greatly to society. That is why we must save the lives of all prematurely born babies.” — Dr. Prince, Director and Physician at the Nsoatre Outpatient Clinic

Planning
The year 2026 will be dedicated to project preparation and fundraising. Construction is planned to begin in 2027, with completion by the end of that year. The department will then be equipped with medical devices and is expected to become operational in early 2028. A final timeline will be established once the required funding has been secured.

Project Costs 
To successfully launch this project, total funding of €175,000 is required for the construction of the building and to purchase specialized medical equipment for the NICU unit. MissionInvest focuses on raising the first €100,000. The remaining €75,000 will be raised by Stichting Kinderhulp Ghana through its own network.

Would You Consider Supporting This Initiative?
Your support is crucial in helping us realize this beautiful project! By partnering with us, you are not only contributing to the construction of a medical facility, you are investing in human lives. Your donation goes beyond bricks and mortar; it directly reduces maternal and infant mortality. Moreover, it represents an investment in healthier families, a stronger society, and a more hopeful future for the Bono Region of Ghana.