Cardboard cribs to cut baby deaths

An initiative to cut child mortality that was developed in Finland during the Great Depression in the 1930’s and entered Latin America through Mexico, is being introduced in Panama’s Ngabe Buglé region.

   “Cardboard cradles” to combat child mortality and inequality are part of a comprehensive package that includes prenatal care, clothing, and essential items for the child’s first months. The program, administered by the Ministry of Health is one of the social bets of the first lady Yazmín Colón, who on December 10 distributed 100 cardboard cribs in two communities of Soloy, and Hato Chamí, populations that have 89% and 92 of poverty, respectively, according to the poverty and inequality map of Panama.

The  cribs, mattress, clothes, and other items contained in the package were donated by local businesses

“They are of  a very special cardboard, and  they have their mattress to protect the child during the first six months of life.” Said Yazmín Colón de Cortizo, wife of President Laurentino Cortizo. To receive the cribs, mothers must first have had prenatal care and training in childcare. The Ministry of Health will collect data on the impact it has on the population. In Finland, it dramatically cut child deaths.