By: Annakleta Haikera
The Rundu Intermediate Hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) on Wednesday celebrated the survival of 18 babies who were born prematurely and overcame life-threatening challenges in the Kavango East Region.
The event also marked the 10-year anniversary of NEO for Namibia, an initiative driven by Dr. Thomas Berger and his wife, Sabina Berger, who have been instrumental in saving the lives of countless premature babies since the NICU’s establishment in 2016.
Medical professionals, parents, and children who once fought for survival in the NICU gathered for a heartwarming reunion.
The event celebrated the resilience of the babies and the strength of their families, while giving parents an opportunity to reconnect with the doctors and nurses who supported them during some of their most difficult times.
“It is a day of joy, gratitude, and hope,” said Chief Regional Nurse Martina Hausiku, adding that these celebrations remind the healthcare team of the impact of their work.
“Seeing these children fully grown and healthy is the most rewarding part of our work,” Hausiku added.
“These reunions are not only a celebration for families but also for us as caregivers, proof that our efforts truly make a difference,” Hausiku highlighted.
One mother, Martha Johannes, shared her emotional journey of giving birth to a baby weighing just 600 grams.
“I was so scared and thought my baby wouldn’t survive,” she said tearfully.
“But the nurses and doctors gave me hope every single day. Today, seeing my child healthy and strong is nothing short of a miracle. I am grateful to the team,” she said.
Another mother, Emilie Malakia, recalled the struggle her family faced when her baby was born weighing 1.8 kilograms and had to spend several weeks in the NICU.
“Every day felt like a battle,” she said.
“But the support and care we received here gave us strength. Looking at my child now, running around and smiling, I can’t believe how far we’ve come,” she exclaimed.
A third mother, Engelbert Chiuma, shared a touching memory of just how tiny her baby was at birth.
“My baby was so small that he could only wear doll clothes,” Chiuma said with a trembling voice.
“It broke my heart to see him like that, but the nurses gave me hope and encouraged me not to give up,” she added.
“Today, he is a strong, healthy boy you wouldn’t believe he was ever that tiny,” she concluded.
Dr. Thomas Berger, who has been a driving force behind the NICU’s success, was honored for his unwavering commitment.
His journey began a decade ago when he witnessed a premature baby fighting for its life at the hospital.
“I remember seeing this tiny baby struggling to survive,” Berger recounted, his voice filled with emotion, adding that later, I was told the baby had passed away,” he said.
“That moment broke me, and I made a promise to myself that I would dedicate my life to helping premature babies survive,” Berger added.
Motivated by that promise, Berger began investing in specialised neonatal equipment to give fragile newborns a fighting chance.
His contributions have provided the hospital with incubators, breathing machines, and other vital equipment that have significantly reduced infant mortality rates in the region.
“Without these machines, many of these little ones would not be here today,” he said with a smile, watching the children play around the room,” he explained.
“Seeing them grow strong and healthy is my greatest reward. This is why I keep going,” Berger concluded.
The celebration ended with the nurses’ pledge and the release of balloons in the air as a symbolic gesture for NICU angels and survivors.
Namibia continues to face challenges in reducing newborn deaths, with a neonatal mortality rate of about 20 per 1,000 live births. Premature birth and low birth weight account for over half of these deaths.
In 2018, Windhoek Central Hospital recorded 509 premature and critically ill newborns, with 68% surviving thanks to specialised care.
Before the Rundu NICU was established in 2016, many rural hospitals lacked the equipment and expertise to save fragile newborns.
Today, the unit has become a lifeline for families in the Kavango East region, significantly improving survival rates.
