The Ethiopian Pediatric Society (EPS) is proud to support Ethiopia’s efforts to scale up Immediate Kangaroo Mother Care (iKMC) through the Integrated RMNCH + Postpartum Family Planning (PPFP) Scale-up in High Caseload Facilities Project, implemented in partnership with EngenderHealth and in close collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and Regional Health Bureaus.

As part of this initiative, EPS has designed and distributed ergonomically suitable Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) chairs to improve the comfort of caregivers, including mothers, fathers, and other family members, providing continuous skin-to-skin care for preterm and low birth weight newborns.

These KMC chairs complement other essential iKMC resources provided by EPS, including:

✅ KMC wraps
✅ VAYU CPAP for selected hospitals
✅ KMC job aids
✅ Capacity building and clinical mentorship for healthcare providers

Together, these interventions are helping health facilities establish and strengthen quality iKMC services, contributing to improved survival and health outcomes for vulnerable newborns.

We are pleased to announce that the first KMC chairs have been delivered to

🏥 Abebech Gobena MCH Hospital
🏥 Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital
🏥 Zewditu Memorial Hospital

This initiative will continue expanding to additional project hospitals in Addis Ababa, Amhara, Oromia, Central Ethiopia, South Ethiopia, and Sidama, supporting the Ministry of Health’s vision of making high-quality, family-centered newborn care accessible across Ethiopia.

EPS remains committed to advancing evidence-based newborn care through strong partnerships, innovation, mentorship, and quality improvement to ensure that every small and sick newborn has the best possible chance to survive and thrive.