Challenge
Hypothermia, affecting 32-85% of neonates globally, is among the top causes of neonatal deaths, also resulting in poor organ development and growth. In low-resource clinics, nurses often skip temperature readings among competing priorities, and parents cannot operate thermometers due to lack of awareness and education, leading to low compliance with KMC by family members at home.
Description
TempWatch is a wearable temperature-monitoring wristband that continuously monitors a neonate's temperature for 1 month in the clinic or at home. If a neonate enters into mild hypothermia (<36.5C), the device triggers a sound and light to alert the parents so they can perform KMC. This prevents further hypothermia and other deadly consequences. Multiple continuous alarms signal the infant is unable to maintain temperature, implying a possible infection and cause for seeking skilled help.
Outcomes
The innovation has reached over 25,000 newborns in 26 countries, significantly reducing neonatal mortality by empowering parents to monitor their newborns' health effectively at home. It has also shown positive results in clinical studies, with babies gaining more weight, receiving more Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC), and having lower mortality rates.
