Zonta Ashburton knows not all births take place in safe and hygienic maternity wards, so are funding birthing kits for use in emergency situations and unhygienic locations.
Club co-ordinator Terrie Hunt said the kits benefit mothers, newborns and birth attendants.
They include soap so the attendant can wash their hands, a plastic sheet to prevent the mother and baby coming into contact with the ground, gloves to provide protection from infections such as HIV for carers and care recipients, gauze swabs to wipe clear the newborn’s eyes, clean cord ties for the umbilical cord, and a sterile blade to cut the cord.
The club is funding 200 kits at a cost of $1650, and are seeking donations to double this number.
“Altrusa and women’s groups at the Anglican and Catholic churches have generously contributed $900, so we just need another $750 to reach the target of 400 kits,” Hunt said.
This is the first time Zonta Ashburton have purchased the kits.
‘‘Two members attended a workshop at the 2024 Zonta International Convention in Brisbane and decided to present it to the club for a project in 2025. All women should be able to give birth in a hygienic environment.
‘‘This seemed to be an effective way to achieve this for many women in developing countries. It fits well with the ideals of Zonta,’’ Hunt said.
‘‘This is the first time we have held a day to assemble the kits. Many clubs in Australia regularly hold assembly days. Clubs in other parts of the word also assemble birthing kits,’’ Hunt said
The World Health Organisation recommends that clean birth kits are an essential tool when a delivery occurs in an unhygienic or emergency setting.
The Birthing Kit Foundation Australia provide the contents of the kit. They have distributed 2.8 million kits through 31 organisations in Africa, the Pacific and the Caribbean.
Donations for the Ashburton initiative are sought by July 15 so the birthing kit materials can be ordered for assembly.
Zonta is an international service organisation which works locally, nationally and internationally to build better futures for women and girls through service and advocacy.
– To give towards the purchase of kits contact Zonta Ashburton at [email protected] for online banking details.
