No access to affordable, pediatric-friendly CPAP equipment
Expanding Access to CPAP for Pediatric Respiratory Care
Introducing low-cost CPAP technology, clinical training, and policy reform to strengthen
pediatric care in Kenya
ABOUT THE PROGRAMME
Expanding Access to CPAP for Pediatric Respiratory Care
CPHD led a targeted initiative to improve the care of children with respiratory distress by introducing affordable CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) devices into public hospitals and building the clinical and biomedical capacity to use them safely and effectively.
The project went beyond device deployment, we equipped health workers to diagnose respiratory disorders, administer oxygen through appropriate modalities, and monitor pediatric patients through to recovery. Our advocacy efforts also led to the successful
integration of CPAP into Kenya’s national pediatric care guidelines, creating a pathway for nationwide scale-up.
THE CHALLANGE
A leading cause of child mortality, with critical gaps in care
Respiratory distress remains one of the leading causes of death among children in Kenya. Yet many health facilities lack the tools, protocols, and skills to respond effectively. Without the right interventions, even basic oxygen delivery can become unsafe putting vulnerable children at greater risk.
Missing clinical protocols for safe CPAP use
Gaps in diagnosis, dosing, and patient monitoring training
No preventive maintenance systems to avoid equipment failure
“Sustainable newborn care requires not just tools, but systems that support their long-term use.”
OUR APPROACH
A comprehensive, four-pillar intervention
CPHD’s initiative went beyond deploying devices. We built the full system around them the skills, the maintenance culture, and the policy environment needed for lasting impact.
Low-Cost CPAP Device Introduction
Deployed locally-appropriate CPAP devices to high-burden facilities, selected for ease of use, oxygen compatibility, and durability.
- Ease of use in low-resource settings
- Compatible with existing oxygen infrastructure
- Durable and easy to clean
Comprehensive Clinical Training
Trained healthcare workers on the full clinical management of pediatric respiratory distress from diagnosis through to safe weaning.
- Diagnosis and classification of respiratory disorders
- Oxygen dosing and titration
- CPAP initiation, monitoring, and weaning
- Preventing complications from prolonged use
Biomedical & Infection Prevention
Equipped biomedical staff with preventive maintenance skills and infection control protocols so facilities could sustain equipment independently.
- Preventive maintenance training for biomedical staff
- Device disinfection and infection control guidance
- Long-term equipment independence for facilities
Policy Advocacy
Successfully advocated for CPAP therapy’s inclusion in Kenya’s national pediatric care guidelines, creating institutional recognition and a pathway for countrywide scale-up.
- Integrated into national pediatric guidelines
- Foundation for scale-up through Kenyan Health system
National Policy Milestone
CPHD's advocacy secured the official inclusion of CPAP therapy in Kenya's national pediatric care guidelines a foundational achievement that enables countrywide adoption and creates a replicable model for other health systems in the region.
KEY RESULTS
Impact highlights
- Improved recovery rates for children presenting with respiratory distress
- Health facilities able to maintain equipment independently over time
- Reduced inappropriate use of oxygen therapy and invasive procedures
- National guideline integration enables countrywide adoption