New low-cost tools that measure newborn babies' feet to screen for prematurity or low birth weight are under trial in Ethiopia in an initiative to help tackle the leading cause of death among young children, particularly those born at home. Developed by Save the Children and Hawassa University College of Medicine & Health Sciences (HUCMHS), the easy-to-use screening tools are colour-coded and include a laminated card and a plastic tool with a 90-degree "heel holder" to guide where to place a baby's heel for the measurement. The tools - which were informed by health workers and mothers and have already been tested in a hospital-based study - are to be rolled out in a controlled trial in the south of Ethiopia as the first step towards a potential adoption in mainstream health services across the country.  Samora Mangesi spoke to Dr Fitsum Belay, Consultant Neonatologist at Hawassa University in Ethiopia..

<p>New low-cost tools that measure newborn babies' feet to screen for prematurity or low birth weight are under trial in Ethiopia in an initiative to help tackle the leading cause of death among young children, particularly those born at home. Developed by Save the Children and Hawassa University College of Medicine &amp; Health Sciences (HUCMHS), the easy-to-use screening tools are colour-coded and include a laminated card and a plastic tool with a 90-degree "heel holder" to guide where to place a baby's heel for the measurement. The tools - which were informed by health workers and mothers and have already been tested in a hospital-based study - are to be rolled out in a controlled trial in the south of Ethiopia as the first step towards a potential adoption in mainstream health services across the country.&nbsp; Samora Mangesi spoke to Dr Fitsum Belay, Consultant Neonatologist at Hawassa University in Ethiopia..</p>

Fast-paced news and current affairs updates, dealing with topical issues & breaking stories.

<p>Fast-paced news and current affairs updates, dealing with topical issues &amp; breaking stories.</p>

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