The Incubator Global Neonatal Podcast
The Incubator Global Neonatal Podcast is a conversational show focusing on neonatal care in low- and middle-income countries. Hosted by Mbozu Sipalo and Shelley Ann Williams, each episode features in-depth discussions with physicians, nurses, and other providers working in diverse global settings. The podcast explores how neonatology is practiced in resource-limited environments, highlighting both opportunities and challenges such as system constraints, innovation, and resilience. It aims to foster cross-border learning and share clinical insights relevant to neonatal care worldwide.
Episodes
#032 - Learning From Each Other: SALSA, Quality Improvement, and Global Health (ft Dr. Scott Guthrie)
In this episode, Shelly-Ann sits down with Dr. Scott Guthrie to discuss his global health work, SALSA, and quality improvement. He shares how working alongside neonatal teams in different settings has shaped his approach to improving care, including what he has brought back to his own practice in Tennessee. From introducing SALSA in Azerbaijan to adapting lessons from a delayed cord clamping proje
#031 - Building Newborn Systems in Humanitarian Settings: Lessons from a Decade of Capacity Building
In this episode, Mbozu and Shelly-Ann sit down with Dr. Franck Houndjahoue to explore what it takes to strengthen newborn care in humanitarian and post-conflict settings. Drawing on nearly a decade of experience in the Central African Republic and other low-resource contexts, Dr. Houndjahoue shares how rebuilding newborn services requires far more than equipment: it depends on partnerships, traini
#030 - From Preterm Mother to Movement Builder: How Mama Tulia Is Bridging the Gap Between NICU and Home, in Uganda
In this episode, Mbozu and Shelly-Ann sit down with Isabelle Furaha, a Congolese-born mother living in Uganda, whose experience with prematurity and loss led her to create Mama Tulia Ministries. After losing a 26-week infant and later bringing home a daughter born at 33 weeks due to preeclampsia, Isabelle committed herself to supporting other mothers facing the same fear and uncertainty.What began
#029 - Scaling Newborn Care in Ghana: Telemedicine, Caffeine, and the Power of Collaboration
In this episode, Mbozu and Shelly-Ann sit down with Dr. Naana Wireko Brobby, a neonatologist leading national efforts to strengthen newborn care in Ghana. She shares a grounded view of daily life at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, where high patient volumes, resource constraints, and continuous teaching shape clinical work.The conversation traces her journey into neonatology, then moves into syste
#028 - Family Systems Care: An example from Hohoe, Ghana (ft. Christina Schuler, Jessica Honya-Tsiewu, and George Edward Ntow)
In this episode, we explore a decade-long journey to transform newborn care in Ghana's Hohoe region, focusing on family systems of care, cross-cultural research collaborations, and innovative training approaches. In this episode we explore •The healthcare landscape for small and sick newborns in Ghana's Volta region•The concept and application of family systems care versus family-centere
#027 - A Preemie, Her Pediatrician, and 40 Years of Neonatal Care in St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG)
In this episode, Mbozu and Shelly-Ann sit down with Dr. Bharati Datta and Dr. Josel Doyle for a conversation that spans four decades and one very full circle moment. Over 40 years ago, Dr. Datta arrived in St. Vincent and the Grenadines from India as the only pediatrician on the island. One of the tiny preterm babies she cared for, weighing barely over a pound at discharge, grew up to become a neo
#026 - How a Parent Charity Transformed Neonatal Care in Barbados
In this episode, Shelly-Ann and Mbozu sit down with a few members of the Parents Neonatal Intensive Care Charity affiliated with the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Barbados. Heidi and Andrew Hutchinson, parents of a baby born at 30 weeks who is now a practicing lawyer, share how they transitioned from frightened NICU parents to decades-long advocates. June Walton and Cheryl Walrond, retired NICU nurs
#025 - Leadership in Action: Establishing Neonatal Services in a Regional Hospital
Dr. Naiza Ngowo Monono, the sole pediatrician at Limbe Regional Hospital in Cameroon for nearly a decade, shares how she reduced neonatal mortality to 16 per 1,000—well below the national average. Key interventions included implementing hygiene protocols, training staff on danger sign recognition and neonatal resuscitation, task-shifting responsibilities to nurses and general practitioners, scalin
#024 - Two Years Strong: Lessons from Our Global Neonatal Community - Anniversary Recap with Dr Shelly-Ann Dakarai and Dr Mbozu Sipalo
Join hosts Shelly-Ann Dakarai and Mbozu Sipalo as they celebrate two incredible years of the Global Neonatal Podcast! Dive into their journey of global connections, where starting small, embracing teamwork, and learning from diverse neonatal health heroes have been key. A heartfelt thank you to our amazing listeners—your support fuels our passion! We're excited to continue this journey and br
#023 -Building Neonatal Care Across Zambia: Training, Mentorship, and Impact with Jean Musonda-Chintende
In this episode, Mbozu and Shelly-Ann are joined by Jean Musonda-Chintende, a critical care nurse and national trainer in advanced newborn care with the Ministry of Health in Zambia. Jean shares her decade-long journey in neonatal intensive care and her leadership in building and mentoring neonatal units across the country.She discusses the process of setting up special care baby units in hospital
#022 - Uganda’s Model for Collaborative Neonatal Care with Dr. Ruth Grace Babirye Kakoba
In this episode, Dr. Ruth Grace Babirekoba discusses the transformative efforts in newborn care in Uganda, emphasizing the importance of collaboration among healthcare professionals. She shares insights on the National Surfactant Administration Protocol and her personal journey in maternal and newborn health, highlighting the significance of mentorship and self-care for future leaders in healthcar
#021 - Improving Neonatal Care in Bamenda Cameroon (Ft Dr. Kate Kan)
In this episode, Mbozu and Shelly-Ann are joined by Dr Kate Kan, Consultant Pediatrician and the director of the Neonatal Unit at theRegional hospital in Bamenda Cameroon. During the discussion, Dr Kan describes her journey from aspiring pediatrician to her current role as the head of the Neonatal Unit at her institution. She describes some of the challenges as well as the progress that is being
#020 - Driving Neonatal Progress in Rural Nigeria (ft. Dr. Olufunke Bolaji)
In this episode, Mbozu interviews Dr. Olufunke Bolaji, consultant pediatrician and neonatologist at the Federal Teaching Hospital Ido-Ekiti, shares her journey into neonatology, driven by mentorship, a love for children, and global learning experiences in Nigeria and the UK. She describes leading a high-performing neonatal unit in a rural Nigerian setting that has achieved Level 3 care, supported
#019 - Empowering Neonatal Nurses Globally (ft, Dr. Karen Walker and Edith Gicheha)
In this episode, Shelly-Ann interviews Professor Karen Walker and Edith Gicheha about the importance of specialized training in neonatal nursing, the challenges faced in low and middle-income contexts, and the role of COIN (Council of International Neonatal Nurses) in advocating for improved neonatal care globally. They discuss the significance of continuous education, the establishment of the Com
#018 - Navigating the NICU: A Mother's Journey (ft. Tasmin Bota)
In this episode, Tasmin Bota shares her journey as a mother of a premature baby and the founder of Preemie Connect. Tasmin shares about her traumatic birth experience, the challenges faced in the NICU, and the lack of emotional support for parents of premature infants. Tasmin also highlights the motivation behind creating Preemie Connect as a way to fill the gap in support and resources for famil
#017 - World Pediatrics: A Mission to Save Children's Lives
In this conversation, the guests from World Pediatrics discuss their mission to improve pediatric healthcare, particularly focusing on neonatal care. They highlight the significant global issues of infant mortality and the need for advanced healthcare access in underserved communities. The discussion covers the organization's history, the shift towards neonatal care, funding challenges, and t
#016 - Neonatal Care in Trinidad & Tobago: Challenges & Triumphs (ft. Dr. Marlon Timothy)
In this episode, Dr. Marlon Timothy shares his journey as a neonatologist, discussing his experiences in Trinidad and Tobago and the evolution of neonatal care. He highlights the challenges faced upon returning from training in Toronto, the establishment of neonatal units, and the implementation of therapeutic hypothermia. Dr. Timothy emphasizes the importance of training and collaboration in impr
#015 - Reducing Neonatal Mortality in India (ft. Dr. Rajesh Mehta)
In this episode, Dr. Rajesh Mehta shares his extensive journey in pediatrics, detailing the evolution of newborn care in India, the challenges faced in providing quality healthcare, and the importance of continuous improvement in neonatal care practices. The conversation highlights the significant strides made in reducing neonatal mortality rates while addressing the ongoing challenges in healthc
#014 - Innovation & Impact: Transforming Neonatal Care in Nepal (Ft Dr. Om Krishna Pathak)
In this episode of the Global Neonatal Podcast, Dr. Om Krishna Pathak shares his journey into neonatology, his experiences at Bharatpur Hospital in Nepal, and the various initiatives he has implemented to improve neonatal care. He discusses the challenges faced in developing a NICU, the importance of empowering nursing staff, and the significance of quality improvement projects. Dr. Pathak also hi
#013 - Championing Neonatal Health in Malawi: A pediatrician's inspiring journey (ft Dr. Msandeni Chiume-Kayuni)
In this episode of the Global Neonatal Podcast, Dr. Msandeni Chiume-Kayuni shares her inspiring journey into pediatrics and neonatal health in Malawi. As the chief pediatrician for Malawi's Ministry of Health, she discusses the significant strides made in neonatal survival, the importance of data collection, and the role of partnerships in improving healthcare outcomes. Dr. Msandeni emphasize
#012 - Celebrating Connections: A Year in Review with Mbozu and Shelly-Ann
In this special episode of the Global Neonatal Podcast, hosts Mbozu and Shelly-Ann take a reflective journey through the year, revisiting key insights from conversations with four inspiring change makers in newborn health: Dr. Kunda Kapembwa (Zambia), Dr. Clyde Cave and Dr. Gillian Birchwood (Barbados), Dr. Guilherme Sant’Anna (Brazil), and Dr. Pradeep Suryawanshi (India).
#011 - Reflections from the Tiny Feet Big Steps Conference in Arusha Tanzania (ft Dr. Stephen Swanson and Dr. Margaret Nakakeeto)
This episode of the Global Neonatal Podcast features reflections from the Tiny Feet Big Steps Conference, highlighting the growth and impact of neonatal care initiatives in Africa. Dr. Steven Swanson and Dr. Margaret Nakaketo share insights on the importance of networking, quality improvement, and the future of neonatology in the region. The conversation emphasizes collaboration, the need for real
#010 - From Brazil to Canada - How community and collaboration can lead to change (ft Dr. Guilherme Sant’Anna)
In this episode, Dr. Guilherme Sant’Anna, a professor of pediatrics at McGill University, shares his journey in neonatology and his work in Brazil and Canada. He discusses the challenges and rewards of working in neonatal care and the differences between the healthcare systems in Brazil and Canada. Dr. Sant’Anna also talks about the impact of the Neonatologia Brasil Facebook group, which he creat
#009 - Training Tomorrow’s Leaders. Insights from NICU Fellows in the African Pediatric Fellowship Program (ft Dr. Mundundu and Dr. Nazziwa)
In this episode of the Global Neonatal Podcast, hosts Mbozu and Shelly- Ann interview Dr. Gae Mundundu and Dr. Ritah Nazziwa, neonatal fellows in the African Paediatric Fellowship Program (APFP) at the University of Cape Town. During the conversation Dr. Mundundu and Dr Nazziwa discuss neonatal services in their home countries of Zambia and Uganda, as well as their experiences as neonatal fellows
#008 - Closing the Gap: Improving access to human milk in LMICs (ft Dr. Emily Njuguna and Kimberly Mansen)
In this episode of the Global Neonatal Podcast, the hosts interview Dr. Emily Njuguna and Kimberly Mansen MSPH RDN from PATH to discuss the importance of human milk in low and middle-income countries (LMICs) and the strategies used to support lactation. The guests highlight the challenges faced by mothers in LMICs and emphasize the importance of early lactation support for mothers of the most v
#007 - Low Tech High Impact. Caring for neonates in Arusha Tanzania (ft Dr. Stephen Swanson)
In this episode, Dr. Stephen Swanson shares his journey of establishing a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in Arusha, Tanzania. He emphasizes the importance of addressing medical culture and involving nurses, doctors, and families in the care of critically ill and premature babies. Dr. Swanson highlights the success of a low-tech approach, including the use of blended, warmed, and humidified CP
#006 - Developing Neonatal Units: The Role of Mentorship (ft Pr. Pradeep Suryawanshi)
In this episode, Mbozu and Shelly-Ann are joined by Professor Pradeep Suryawanshi, a neonatologist, researcher and educator from Pune India. Professor Suryanwanshi discusses his journey as a neonatologist and his work in India and Australia, the process of developing a neonatal care unit and the importance of mentorship. He also discusses factors contributing to India's progress in neonatal
#005 - Caring for neonates in Barbados, How small changes over time create big results (ft Dr. Clyde Cave and Dr. Gillian Birchwood)
In this episode, Mbozu and Shelly-Ann are joined by Dr. Clyde Cave and Dr. Gillian Birchwood. The conversation explores the neonatal care in Barbados, focusing on the challenges faced and the incremental changes made to improve the care provided. Dr. Cave and Dr. Birchwood provide an overview of the NICU in Barbados, the early years of the NICU, human resource development, financial challenges and
#004 - Starting a Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine Fellowship in Rwanda
In this episode, Dr. Nkuranga and Dr. Hadfield discuss their journey into neonatology and their current roles in Rwanda's healthcare system. They also discuss the development of the Neonatal-Perinatal Fellowship Program in Rwanda and the collaborations and stakeholder involvement that were required to establish the program. They also share their experiences of living and working in Rwanda, as
#003 - Caring for Neonates in Burundi 🇧🇮
Dr. Jennifer Harling, a pediatrician and medical missionary in Burundi, shares her experiences and challenges in providing healthcare in a low-resource setting. She discusses the decision to do medical mission work, the background of Burundi and the hospital where she works, the language and cultural challenges she faced, and the improvements she has made in neonatal care. Dr. Harling also talks a
#002 - The Newborn Toolkit (ft Pr. Lawn, Lauren Allison and Dr. Sipalo)
In this episode, Shelly-Ann, Ben, and Gabriel discuss the Newborn Toolkit with Dr. Joy Lawn, Dr. Mbozu Sipalo, and Lauren Allison from the Newborn Toolkit Team. They highlight the importance of newborn care, the challenges faced in providing adequate care globally, and the development of the Newborn Toolkit to address these challenges. Newborn Toolkit link - https://newborntoolkit.org/toolkit
#001 - Pioneering Neonatology in Zambia with (Dr. Kunda Mutesu Kapembwa)
Dr. Kunda Mutesu-Kapembwa is a Paediatrician and Neonatologist working in Zambia. She holds a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery, a Master in Paediatrics and Child Health, a Certificate and Master of Philosophy in Neonatology. Her career is dedicated to nursing and doctors’ education and to the health of neonates and their families. She Co-founded Newborn Support Zambia, a not for profit Non-Governm
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