About us
We are a group of Swiss physicians and nurses with long-standing experience in general pediatrics, pediatric emergency medicine, neonatology and pediatric intensive care. We recognize that we live in a very privileged country and want to share our knowledge with less fortunate people.
Initiated by Prof. Thomas M. Berger and his wife Sabine Berger, the non-profit organization NEO FOR NAMIBIA - Helping Babies Survive was founded in September 2017. The current members of the board are:
- Sabine Berger, RN, president
- Thomas M. Berger, MD, secretary and chief medical advisor
- Salome Waldvogel, MD
- Kundai Mapanga, MD
What motivates us?
Struck by the immense discrepancies between health care resources in high income and low/middle income countries, we have decided to support efforts to improve neonatal and pediatric care in Namibia. Following two fact finding missions in 2015 and 2016, a pilot project was launched at Rundu State Hospital in the Kavango region of Namibia in July 2017.
We have since shown that the successful introduction of low-cost interventions can have a large impact on survival chances of both preterm and term infants.
Prof. Thomas M. Berger, MD
With more than 30 years of experience in neonatology in various high-income countries, I want to share my knowledge with physicians and nurses in less privileged countries. Helping to improve neonatal care in resource-limted areas in Namibia has become my passion.
Sabine Berger, RN
Good nursing care is of paramount importance to the care of sick newborn infants. It is very gratifying to see that the nurses at Rundu State Hospital are highly motivated to learn - with immediate benefit to the patients. Ongoing training of health care staff will be vital to guarantee sustainable improvements.
Kundai Mapanga, MD
I first met Prof. Thomas M. Berger and Sabine Berger in 2018 while working as a Medical Officer at Rundu State Hospital. The approach of NEO FOR NAMIBIA - Helping Babies Survive was effective and helped many babies survive. I could easily see the impact those interventions would have as mortality and morbidity rates dropped. As a Namibian health care provider, I am proud and thankful to be part of the NGO's activities.
Salome Waldvogel, MD
As a young Swiss pediatrician and neonatologist I have seen what modern medicine is capable of achieving in privileged work environments. When I had the opportunity to join NEO FOR NAMIBIA - Helping Babies Survive, I was impressed by the enormous challenges health care professionals face in resource-limited environments but also by what is possible to accomplish when you are invested in supporting those in need. I am very grateful and proud to be part of the activities of NEO FOR NAMIBIA - Helping Babies Survive.