How East Meets West nurtured a business idea to provide neo-natal technology to lower infant mortality rates in Vietnam

KSE Medical is a medical engineering firm based in Hanoi. Founded by an American medical engineer, Kirk Evans, the goal of KSE is to manufacture low-cost, in-country medical solutions to save the lives and improve the quality of care of newborns and infants in Vietnam.

When Kirk initially came to Vietnam, his goal was to produce medical equipment that he could build and manufacture locally, that would be easy to maintain, and that would be easy to train medical staff in Vietnam to use. The product he decided to manufacture was the CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machine, a relatively simple piece of equipment already proven highly effective in treating respiratory distress, a common problem suffered by premature infants. The CPAP machine could save a large number of lives without being very expensive for hospitals to purchase.

KSE had a good product, but what they needed was funding and an organization already established in Vietnam who would help realize their goals logistically and practically. This is where East Meets West stepped in.
In 2005, East Meets West began discussions with KSE on how the two could join forces to bring this technology to Vietnam. Because the program fit into one of EMW’s core areas—medical intervention—and because the idea was simple, the solution far-reaching, and the program easy to scale, EMW decided to form the Breath of Life program exclusively to install CPAP machines in as many hospitals in Vietnam as possible. The plan: EMW would find funding from donors to place the machines in hospitals and then purchase the equipment from KSE and help administer the program.

A very successful pilot program was run for one year at the National Hospital of Pediatrics (NHP) in Hanoi. Following the pilot and the clear success the new program, East Meets West decided to expand BOL significantly in order to place CPAP machines in as many hospitals in Vietnam as possible.

Two years later, KSE has grown significantly and, while still manufacturing CPAP machines, is also designing and producing many more products, such as infant warmers and phototherapy machines, to help equip neo-natal units all over Vietnam. KSE also provides technology transfer and training in medical research. EMW and KSE are considering piloting the BOL program in other countries in the region.

The EMW and KSE partnership is a prime example of how EMW can work with those who have innovative ideas that will bring far-reaching solutions to Vietnam. This partnership has benefitted thousands of babies and their families, and a business has grown significantly due to the successful implementation of a very good, low-cost idea.

For more information
If you have any questions or want to get involved with the Breath of Life program, you can donate online today or contact EMW's Executive Director with questions or comments at janner@eastmeetswest.org.