New device to monitor children’s temperature

By Glenda Awikiak
MORE than 6000 children died from cold because there were no devices in hospitals to warn nurses and their mothers when their temperature dropped, it has been revealed.
The maternal and neo-natal care project called Saving Lives, Sharing Smiles was launched yesterday in Port Moresby to address the problem. New-born babies will now wear a hypothermia alert device, locally known as the beibi kol kilok, to warn nurses and mothers if the temperature drops. It is a joint project by the United Children Fund (Unicef), Health Department, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the World Health Organisation.
Minister for Health and HIV/AIDS Sir Puka Temu said the Government wanted to reduce the high maternal and neonatal mortality rates. “This is a highly cost-effective intervention and needs everyone’s participation to give a child a chance in life. The first three to four weeks are the most critical moment in a human beings life. The use of this simple gadget is fantastic and amazing as it will save lives.”
Australian High Commissioner Bruce Davis said Australia was keen to support PNG’s effort to improve its health indicators. Australia allocated more than K6 million (US$2m) for the project.
Unicef representative David Mcloughlin said they were grateful to spearhead the project through the funding.
Speaker Job Pomat said PNG had the worst maternal and neonatal status in the region.
“The number of our mothers and children dying during and after delivery is the highest in the world and is the biggest problem,” he said.
The device is like a wrist watch worn around the child’s wrist to monitor the body temperature, proper breastfeeding support, infections and breathing difficulties in their first 28 days. For mothers, the package provides prevention and management of bleeding after delivery.