Durban - About 4 000 cardboard baby-cots are being distributed in KwaZulu-Natal in an effort to curb neonatal mortality.
The project, the first of its kind, is being spearheaded by World Vision SA and the HOLO (Help Our Little Ones) Foundation.
They have designed 10 000 cardboard cots to distribute in six provinces across the country.
In KZN, the cots will be handed out at clinics in Umvoti, Maphumulo, Okhahlamba, Ixopo and Umzimkulu, as well at places where World Vision has programmes.
Mothers must have attended at least four antenatal classes to qualify, the NGO’s spokeswoman, Sasha Endemann, said
. “This is to promote healthcare and improve the mortality (rate) of both the mothers and their newborn.”
Endemann said that out of 1 000 live births, 21 newborns die.
The cardboard cots had been used in Finland for over 75 years. The Scandinavian country has one of the lowest neonatal mortality rates at 2.3 in 1 000 live births, she said.
“The cots, designed, developed and distributed by the HOLO Foundation, meet stringent international standards and feature a myriad safety certifications.”
Endemann said they were “food-grade hygienic”, fire resistant, lightweight and biodegradable. The cots come with mattresses and a carry bag.
The NGOs are also planning to offer basic hygiene guidance to the mothers.
“The first 28 days of a newborn infant’s life is critical,” said Paula Barnard, national director of World Vision SA. “Studies have shown that cots greatly improve the mortality of babies, offering a safe place to play, sleep and grow.
“With the cardboard cots we hope to make a significant impact on neonatal mortality while at the same time educating households on infancy care such as immunisation, breastfeeding and hygiene.”
HOLO’s founding director, Marié Janse van Rensburg, said:
“Our aim is to provide a safe environment for children while also providing an important portability solution – the cots are lightweight and easy to dismantle and assemble.”
The foundation was in the process of designing the cots for World Vision Zimbabwe, Lesotho and Swaziland.
Endemann said the project would depend on funding as World Vision SA was completely reliant on corporate and individual sponsorships and donations.
She said another 10 000 cots would be delivered through the NGO’s programmes next year.
Provincial health departments were supporting the rollout, she said.
Daily News