By Staycey Yalo – EMTV News, Port Moresby
A new device to detect hypothermia among newly born infants has been piloted in the Eastern Highlands Province. The device called the ‘Bebi Kol Kilok’ was introduced last year in October and the positive effect of the devices has seen many parents in the Eastern Highlands Province thankful for the device.
The Bebi Kol Kilok is a program run by UNICEF and the Eastern Highlands Provincial Health Authority through funding from the Australian Government.
The hypothermia bracelet, locally named ‘Bebi Kol Kilok, is a simple device that detects and alerts parents and caretakers of babies under 28 days old, if their body temperature goes beyond or below 36.5 degrees. With the parents’ permission, the device is put on a baby’s wrist immediately after birth.
The device is targeted to minimise or eliminate neonatal deaths and mortality rate in the country. It has been piloted in the Henganofi District of Eastern Highlands Province. The results have been positive for many mothers in Savisa Village.
Dr. Ghanashyam Sethy says the care given to mothers during pregnancy-delivery-immediate postpartum is essential for the survival of both the mother and a child.
The National Department of Health in partnership with UNICEF and the World Health Organization, rolled out the Early Essential Newborn Care Program (EENC) in 11 provinces funded by DFAT and a comprehensive Newborn Care Initiative.
Health Counselor with DFAT, Will Robinson, said it was a pleasure to see how successful the ‘Bebi Kol Kilok’ Program was run in Henganofi. He said, after the evaluation of the program DFAT will decide whether to fund the program nationwide.
