The shocking reality that the death of many Nigerian newborns can be prevented by a simple, widely available piece of equipment was the focus of a recent educational segment on the Aproko Doctor TV channel. Aproko Doctor declared that the high rate of infant mortality is directly linked to the lack of this device, calling it "perhaps the best medical invention ever made: the ambu bag simple powerful effective". This essential intervention targets the golden minute, the critical 60-second window after birth during which a baby must either start breathing independently or receive assistance.
Aproko Doctor TV stressed that if a baby is not breathing within this minute, they face the severe danger of birth asphyxia. This condition occurs because the brain requires oxygen, and a prolonged lack of it leads to brain damage, known medically as hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy. The absence of oxygen (hypoxia) and poor blood supply (ischemic) results in brain damage due to inadequate blood flow containing oxygen. Furthermore, Aproko Doctor confirmed that cerebral palsy is absolutely linked to babies not breathing on time.
The procedure begins immediately upon delivery. The first step is to dry the baby, with a few rubs on the back often being enough to stimulate breathing. Aproko Doctor emphatically stated that there is no need to hang the baby upside down. Providers must prepare beforehand by washing their hands and donning gloves. Crucially, the ambu bag, which Aproko Doctor insists "has to be there wherever babies are born," comes with two mask sizes: a small one for premature babies and a large one for bigger babies.
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Proper technique is essential. The mask must cover the mouth and the nose, without covering the eyes, to ensure a necessary seal so that air does not escape. Once the mask is sealed, the provider must squeeze the bag systematically to establish a rhythm. Aproko Doctor recommends counting: "1 and 2 and 3 and breathe". Most babies are crying by the time this cycle is complete and can then be taken to the mother and put to the breast. It is also vital to position the baby's neck correctly—using the "jaw thrust and the chin lift," or putting the baby in the "sniffing position"—to open the airway so air can properly fill the lungs.
However, Aproko Doctor highlighted that the problem is most acute outside of large medical facilities. The majority of women in Nigeria deliver at home or with community providers, not in major hospitals, small hospitals, or primary healthcare centers. Therefore, the ambu bag must be accessible at these grassroots centers. The organization, for breath for life, which Aproko Doctor is involved with, is training healthcare providers across the country and equipping them with ambu bags.
Finally, Aproko Doctor stressed the necessity of proactive planning by expectant parents. For every baby, a skilled and trained attendant must be present at the delivery. Furthermore, a detailed plan must be made ahead of time, including arranging a form of transportation in case of complications like obstructed labor. Aproko Doctor advised prospective parents to set money aside for an emergency Cesarean section (C-section) in advance, emphasizing that people should not wait until the baby needs to come out to start planning or looking for money. Aproko Doctor concluded by noting that following these steps, and ensuring the correct use of the ambu bag, "will save a lot of lives".
