On August 17, 2026, Huong*, a 15-year-old Thai ethnic minority girl from Na Tau Commune, Dien Bien Province, was brought by her family to Muong Ang Medical Center in the final days of her pregnancy. It was also the rainy and flood season in the mountainous region, making the journey of more than 20 kilometers along mountain roads to the nearest medical facility even more difficult.

Huong safely delivered a baby boy weighing 2.9 kg, whom she named Tan*. It seemed that all was well after mother and baby came through childbirth safely. However, just one day later, Tan developed widespread jaundice and began feeding poorly. Blood tests revealed elevated bilirubin levels, requiring urgent medical intervention.

When bilirubin builds up to excessive levels, it can cause neurological damage in newborns. For Tan, prompt treatment was essential to prevent his condition from progressing to serious complications.

He was immediately transferred to the pediatric department for treatment. With the support of a double-sided phototherapy unit and an infusion pump funded by Minh Ha Foods through the Neonatal Care program, the medical team was able to provide treatment and care locally. After seven days, Tan’s condition had stabilized, he was feeding well, and he was discharged to return home with his mother.

In the six months since the Neonatal Care project began at Muong Ang Medical Center, nearly 600 babies like Tan have received care and treatment using medical equipment provided through the program with support from Minh Ha Foods.

These machines have become essential tools in the daily work of healthcare professionals, helping premature babies and newborns access timely treatment close to home.

In mountainous areas where child marriage and adolescent pregnancy remain concerns, strengthening local neonatal care capacity helps reduce the need to transfer newborns to higher-level hospitals along long, steep, and hazardous mountain roads, especially during periods of difficult weather. This can help protect the lives of both mothers and babies.

Neonatal Care extends its heartfelt gratitude to Minh Ha Foods for its continued partnership in bringing essential medical equipment to underserved communities.

*Names have been changed to protect the individuals’ identities.*