Donate Clean Birth Kits. $5 Saves 2 Lives.
Why are Clean Birth Kits needed?
This year approximately 1 million women and infants will die of infection after birth. For every woman who dies 30 more suffer a debilitating illness or permanent disability. Many of these deaths are preventable by providing education about clean birthing practices and Clean Birth Kits, which promote and enable clean birth.
In Laos, where Cleanbirth.org is focused, 80% of births occur at home and only 20% have a skilled attendant present. Maternal and infant mortality rates are among the highest in the world. Cleanbirth.org is providing clean birth kits and training to a non-profit in the remote Salavan Province in southern Laos in the hopes of giving moms and babies a fighting chance at life.
Do Clean Birth Kits prevent maternal/infant deaths?
The WHO and United Nations have recommended CBKs for decades. According to Blencowe et al (reference) “A systematic review identified 30 studies showing that clean birth practices can substantially reduce neonatal mortality and morbidity from infection-related causes, including tetanus.”
Clean Birth Kits are designed to provide birth attendants and/or expecting moms with the tools they need to ensure a clean birthing environment.
What is in a Clean Birth Kit?
The Kits ensure the WHO’s “6 Cleans”: clean hands, clean perineum, clean delivery surface, clean cord cutting implement, clean cord tying, and clean cord care.
Each kit is sterile and composed of hospital grade supplies, including:
- Padded blood absorbing sheet for comfort and easy clean up
- Medicated soap to prepare a safe birth environment
- Sterile surgical blade with steel handle for cutting the umbilical cord
- Cord clips for precision and to help prevent infection
- Biodegradable bag
- Pictorial instructions
