Smart Village Movement (SVM), in collaboration with National Health Mission Meghalaya and Global Newborn Solutions (USA), is set to pilot the Dream Warmer intervention in sub-centers across Mawkyrwat Block, Southwest Khasi Hills. This initiative, scheduled to begin in February or March 2025 upon procurement completion, aims to combat neonatal hypothermia—a leading contributor to infant mortality and morbidity. By integrating this innovative, non-electric warming device, the project seeks to enhance neonatal care, especially in low-resource healthcare settings.
A mother practicing Kangaroo Mother Care with supplementary warming support
Credit: Anne Hansen
Neonatal hypothermia, a major challenge in newborn survival, affects more than 90% of infants in developing countries. Despite the widespread promotion of Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) in Meghalaya, sustaining adequate thermal support remains difficult due to maternal fatigue and environmental constraints. The Dream Warmer, a reusable heat-producing wrap, complements KMC by maintaining optimal newborn body temperature for up to six hours without electricity. Studies in Rwanda and Malawi have demonstrated its effectiveness in reducing hypothermia-related risks and improving neonatal outcomes.
Through this pilot study, SVM aims to evaluate the feasibility and impact of the Dream Warmer in Meghalaya’s healthcare facilities. By addressing neonatal hypothermia and supporting preterm and low-birth-weight infants, this initiative aligns with the state’s broader efforts to reduce neonatal mortality and improve early childhood health.
IMAGE SOURCE: vngmedical.com
Dream Warmer is a low-cost and non-electric mattress. It operates similarly to a heating pad. A phase change material is used to manufacture the warmer, which changes from liquid to solid at skin temperature. Wax-based plastic-encased mattresses are placed in a thermos of hot water for around thirty minutes until the wax melts and then into insulating sleeves.
Features:
- Unique design allows easy access for medical staff and parents, with no attached fabric.
- Easy to wash by hand, even in settings without diapers or washing machines.
- The mattress, insulating pad, and thermos include simple instructions for easy understanding, even for those with limited literacy.
- Versatile use in delivery rooms for neonatal resuscitation, at home, or during transport to advanced care facilities.
Whole Kit Of Dream Warmer Consist Of:
- A Backpack (for portability)
- An Insulating sleeve for protection
- A Thermos with lid
- A Mattress made with phase change material. A built-in orange temperature indicator.
*INFORMATION SOURCE: https://vngmedical.com/product/dream-warmer/
SVM will run this as a pilot at first to test the success and scale it throughout the state once approved for usage.
