SHIKANDA KAWANGA, Livingstone
LIVINGSTONE Central Hospital has recorded a reduction in infant mortality from 50 percent to less than 0.5 percent following the introduction of a PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) machine in 2006.
Consultant pediatrician at the hospital Robert Fubisha revealed this on Wednesday when American ambassador to Zambia Eric Scultz toured the hospital to check on the impact the equipment has had.
The machine was donated by the American government through USAID.
A PCR machine, which is also called a DNA amplifier, is used to detect various long-term diseases by analysing DNA.
Dr Fubisha said the machine has helped in decongesting the hospital because there are few infants that are admitted because they are given early treatment.
“Since the introduction of the machine in 2006 at the centre of excellence, we have seen massive reduction in infant mortality that resulted from late detection of ailments in babies,” he said.
Dr Fubisha also attributed the reduction of mortality and morbidity to the introduction of anti-retroviral treatment in pregnant women.