By Onyekachukwu Agu

Enugu – The Enugu State University of Science and Technology, ESUT, is set to record a mileage in the healthcare sector as a team of Professors are designing NUA TAPE that would detect birth weight of a child early enough

A Paediatrics Professor, Dr Ikenna Ndụ disclosed this on Thursday while delivering the 47th Inaugural Lecture of the University.

Professor noted that the University is collaborating with Alpha Angle Group, an American consultancy specializing in AI driven Healthcare innovation to actualise the project.

According to him, their study shows that the chest circumference (CC) of a new born baby had a relationship with birth weights, thereby replacing the traditional weighing scales where not available or reliable.

Professor Ndu explained that the chest circumference measurement, has a strong correlation with birth weights, offering a simple non- invasive method to detect low weight at risk infants.

The NUA tape was a term coined by the Names of the inventors, Prof. Ndu, Prof. Uchenna, and Prof. Asinobi all from the Pediatrics Department of the College with the tape’s Patent No: NG/P/2018/135.

Collaborating with Alpha Angle Group, an American consultancy specializing in AI driven Healthcare innovation, Prof Ndụ noted that through the partnership they are currently designing a machine language tool based on the NUA tape’s validated data and cut off points.

He further explained that the AI powered tool aims to streamline neonatal assessment, predict potential complications and provide decisions and provide decision support for healthcare workers in rural communities where trained professionals are scarce.

Highlights of the Inaugural Lecture which drew participatnts from far and within were presentation of award by the ESUT Inaugural Lecture Committee as well as 50 copies of the Inaugural Lecture book to the lecturer.