A Lifeline for Jamaica’s Newborns: Issa Trust Foundation’s Neonatal Training Initiative
From February 28 to March 14, 2025, the Issa Trust Foundation took a giant leap forward in enhancing neonatal care in Jamaica. Under the leadership of Foundation President Diane Pollard, a dedicated team of doctors and nurses from Connecticut Children’s Hospital arrived on the island to conduct a specialized training program for nurses. This initiative is not just a training session; it’s a lifeline for the tiniest and most vulnerable members of our society.
At the heart of this mission was Dr. Naveed Hussain, a neonatologist and professor of pediatrics at the University of Connecticut, alongside Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Sheron Wagner from Dallas. They collaborated closely with Dr. Samantha Walker at Victoria Jubilee Hospital, the largest maternity hospital in the English-speaking Caribbean. This partnership was crucial, as the South East Regional Health Authority (SERHA) facilitated the training, addressing a pressing issue: the shortage of trained neonatal nurses in Jamaica.
“Many premature and critically ill newborns are at risk due to the lack of specialized care,” Dr. Hussain explained. “This training is vital for ensuring that these infants receive the best possible start in life.”
Victoria Jubilee Hospital served as the primary site for this transformative training. The program began online in November 2024, allowing nurses to prepare before the hands-on sessions. “We’re here now for practical training and site visits,” Dr. Hussain noted. “Nurses who meet the requirements of 75% attendance and 90% competence will receive certification, which is a significant achievement.”
In addition to the core training, the team introduced the Helping Babies Breathe Program. This essential training equips nurses with the skills to provide critical oxygen support during the first minute of a newborn’s life, a crucial time that can significantly improve survival rates.
The initiative received praise from the Most Honorable Juliet Holness, who acknowledged the Issa Trust Foundation’s ongoing commitment to improving healthcare access for Jamaica’s most vulnerable populations. “The Issa Trust Foundation has continued to make high-quality healthcare available to our most vulnerable and underserved Jamaicans,” she said. “Their dedication is inspiring, from annual medical missions to creating a state-of-the-art neonatal facility at St. Ann’s Bay Hospital.”
The impact of this training extends beyond just the nurses. It resonates throughout the community, offering hope to families who may have previously felt helpless in the face of medical challenges. Local citizens have expressed their gratitude, with many recognizing the importance of having well-trained nurses who can provide specialized care for newborns.
By strengthening neonatal care through hands-on training and collaboration with local healthcare authorities, the Issa Trust Foundation is not just enhancing skills; they are enhancing lives. The future of Jamaica’s newborns looks brighter, thanks to the commitment of organizations like the Issa Trust Foundation.
As we look ahead, one can’t help but wonder: What more can be done to ensure that every newborn in Jamaica receives the care they deserve?