Baby Naomi W., 1

Baby Naomi is the fourth child and they live in a rural area without electricity. The family uses a pit latrine and relies on water from a nearby borehole, about a 30-minute walk away. Their father, the sole breadwinner, works as a casual laborer, earning approximately KES 300 per day to meet their basic needs. Baby Naomi was born on 2nd September 2024 at 31 weeks gestation, with a very low birth weight of 1400 grams. Tragically, her mother who had tuberculosis and had not adhered to her treatment, passed away on the day Baby Naomi was born. Due to severe respiratory distress and prematurity, she was admitted to the Newborn Unit (NBU) for specialized care. During her stay in the hospital, she was diagnosed with pulmonary tuberculosis, likely contracted from her mother and severe anaemia. She underwent two blood transfusions and required 30 days of CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) therapy due to severe respiratory distress caused by TB and the premature lungs. Baby Naomi was discharged on 5th May 2025, meaning she stayed in the hospital for 246 days. The Kenyan government provides anti-TB medication free of charge. However, additional care such as: CPAP therapy, Laboratory tests, and Supportive neonatal care (e.g., formula milk, oxygen), among other necessary care in the hospital is not covered, and must be paid for out of pocket — a significant challenge for families with limited income. CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) is a non-invasive respiratory support device that delivers a constant flow of air into a baby’s lungs to keep the airways open. It is commonly used in premature babies or those with lung conditions like pulmonary tuberculosis or respiratory distress syndrome. In Baby Naomi’s case, CPAP was essential because: Her lungs were underdeveloped due to premature birth. Pulmonary TB further compromised her ability to breathe. CPAP helped improve oxygenation and reduce the effort of breathing, significantly enhancing her chances of survival.

Baby Naomi was born on 2nd September 2024 at 31 weeks gestation, with a very low birth weight of 1400 grams. Tragically, her mother who had tuberculosis and had not adhered to her treatment, passed away on the day Baby Naomi was born. Due to severe respiratory distress and prematurity, she was admitted to the Newborn Unit (NBU) for specialized care. During her stay in the hospital, she was diagnosed with pulmonary tuberculosis, likely contracted from her mother and severe anaemia. She underwent two blood transfusions and required 30 days of CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) therapy due to severe respiratory distress caused by TB and the premature lungs. Baby Naomi was discharged on 5th May 2025, meaning she stayed in the hospital for 246 days. A follow up visit at their home a week after discharge confirmed that the baby was doing fine The Kenyan government provides anti-TB medication free of charge. However, additional care such as: CPAP therapy, Laboratory tests, and Supportive neonatal care (e.g., formula milk, oxygen), among other necessary care in the hospital is not covered, and must be paid for out of pocket — a significant challenge for families with limited income. CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) is a non-invasive respiratory support device that delivers a constant flow of air into a baby’s lungs to keep the airways open. It is commonly used in premature babies or those with lung conditions like pulmonary tuberculosis or respiratory distress syndrome. In Baby Naomi’s case, CPAP was essential because: Her lungs were underdeveloped due to premature birth. Pulmonary TB further compromised her ability to breathe. CPAP helped improve oxygenation and reduce the effort of breathing, significantly enhancing her chances of survival.

Baby Naomi was treated and given needed assistance and if the condition could have remain untreated tuberculosis (TB) could have been fatal and have serious consequences if left unaddressed ,also TB can lead to permanent lung damage and even death.