UK incubators saving babies’ lives in Ukraine

Incubators developed by a UK company supported by Innovate UK are saving the lives of babies and aiding clinicians in Ukraine.

Developer mOm has worked with Crown Agents and Jersey Overseas Aid to deliver the mOm Essential Incubator systems to where they are necessary in Ukraine and are being used to provide much-needed flexibility in the healthcare system.

Herve Verhoosel, from global health initiative UNITAID, said: “The war increases the level of stress in pregnant women leading to an increased level of the number of premature births reported; up to three times more than before the war.”

James Roberts, chief executive and founder of mOm added: “It is humbling to see our systems supporting clinicians and saving lives in these very difficult times. It goes some way to proving how the mOm incubator can be used anywhere and everywhere, giving much-needed flexibility to the healthcare system.”

And Richard Hebdon, director of health and life sciences at Innovate UK, stated: “This rapid deployment of portable neonatal incubators to Ukraine is remarkable. Innovate UK are very proud to have supported mOm incubators on their journey to regulatory approval and clinical use, and it’s fantastic that we’re in a position to help a UK business respond to such an urgent health crisis.”

Around 15 million babies are born premature each year, accounting for about one in ten of all babies born worldwide. Babies born too early have an increased chance of ongoing health issues when compared to full-term pregnancies, and may face long-term health problems affecting the brain, lungs, heart or hearing and vision.

Premature birth remains the leading cause of death in children under the age of five worldwide.