The Tiny Feet Big Steps (TFBS) Neonatology Conference began on Monday, 2 November, gathering roughly 250 healthcare professionals from 18 countries to discuss ways of improving survival among premature and critically ill newborns across Africa.

Running for four days until Thursday, 5 November, the event emphasizes practical clinical skills, better use of existing equipment and affordable interventions suitable for resource‑constrained hospitals.

Key modules include neonatal resuscitation, setting up Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) support, feeding calculations and glucose monitoring, all aimed at everyday clinical settings.

Participants also take part in simulation‑based exercises designed to sharpen rapid response to life‑threatening complications in premature infants.

Institute for Child Healthcare Africa (ICHA) Board Chair Kim Rathjen noted that improving newborn survival requires not only equipment but also skilled staff who can maximise existing resources.

ICHA Executive Director Stephen Swanson warned that the high cost of specialised neonatal care continues to limit access for many families and health facilities.

The conference also promotes continuous professional development and cross‑border collaboration, encouraging participants to share experiences that suit their local resource environments.