August 21-24th, 2024 – Commonly known as China’s poorest province and ranked 4th lowest in GDP per capita in 2022, the average annual rural disposable income of RMB12,165, is 40% lower than the national rural resident average. 73% of the population live in rural communities and although 43 of 57 counties emerged from poverty alleviation efforts, significant challenges remain.
Under the urging and leadership of Ms. Wang from the Gansu Provincial Health Commission, experts from Children’s Hospital of Fudan University and Gansu Maternal and Child Health Hospital conducted a needs assessment to bring “Gansu – Every Baby Rescued” to more sites in need in Gansu. This project will expand to three more prefectures to help bridge the rural-urban gap in healthcare capability, causing preventable death.
Two expert teams, led by Prof. Chen Chao and head nurse Ji, and Prof. Wang and head nurse Li, assessed eight hospitals in Linxia, Baiyin, Dingxi, and Zhangye. Prof. Shi from Gansu Maternal and Child Health Hospital provided crucial insights into neonatal care capabilities across the region.
The evaluation focused on infrastructure, staff expertise, management strength and project readiness, ensuring a thorough and impartial selection process. This assessment is a significant step forward for enhancing neonatal care for the three final prefectures to be selected in Gansu province.
Special thanks to the Gansu Provincial Health Commission, Fudan Children’s Hospital, Gansu Maternal Child Health Hospital, and our dedicated Advisor, Nick Chen, and Interns, whose efforts were vital to the success of this initiative.