A major initiative to improve newborn care and survival across sub-Saharan Africa will announce the next phase of activities supported by new, eight-figure funding during a press conference held at Rice University’s Biosciences Research Collaborative Jan. 23.
With support from some of the world’s largest charitable organizations, and in collaboration with African governments, the Newborn Essential Solutions and Technologies (NEST360) will outline next steps in its plan to catalyze sustainable, systemic, country-led change and enhance newborn care in low-resource settings. Phase 2 of the initiative builds on progress achieved during the first stage of operations.
An international alliance led by nurses, doctors, engineers, global health experts and entrepreneurs, NEST360 is poised to make a difference in small and sick newborn care through its collaborative, data-driven approach to translating global sustainability goals into real-world change.
WHO: Reginald DesRoches, Rice University president; Dr. Nahya Salim, clinical pediatric specialist at the Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences; Dr. Chinyere Ezeaka, head of the Neonatology-Perinatology Unit at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital; Dr. Msandeni Chiume, Chief Paediatrician on the Ministry of Health (Malawi) and Head of Paediatrics and Child Health Department, Kamuzu Central Hospital; Abiy Seifu, assistant professor, School of Public Health of Addis Ababa University; Maria Oden, professor of bioengineering, Rice University; and Dr. William Macharia, Professor and Director, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Associate Dean of Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aga Khan University.
WHAT: Launch event of NEST360 Phase 2
WHEN: 10:30 a.m. Jan. 23
WHERE: The BioScience Research Collaborative (BRC), 6500 Main St., 10th floor
Members of the news media who want to attend should RSVP to Silvia Cernea Clark, media relations specialist, at silviacc@rice.edu or 713-348-6728.
Media should park in the BRC underground lot, which is accessible via Dryden Road. On-site parking validation will be available for media guests arriving between 9:30-10:30 a.m. and upon request for later arrivals.