image from Global Envision

In most developing countries, almost half of all births take place in the home often with the assistance of a birth attendant.  According to a study by the International Center for Advancing Neonatal Health at Johns Hopkins, a major factor contributing to neonatal and maternal infections is delivery in the home under unhygienic conditions by untrained birth attendants.  The use of a clean delivery kit has a dramatic effect on maternal health, reducing infection and the incidence of sepsis. 

We’re excited to announce our latest project with AYZH, a social venture looking through the eyes of women to identify the tools they want and need to help improve their standard of living. Founded by Zubaida Bai, a recent graduate of the Global Social and Sustainable Enterprise Program who formerly worked for a Lemelson foundation initiative in India, AYZH serves the needs of impoverished women worldwide by bringing them affordable appropriate technologies that increase income and/or improve health.  One of AYZH’s first products on the market includes a clean delivery birth kit. Catapult joins this program to evaluate cost, branding, and a sustainability strategy for kit components, currently piloting in India.  More program info to come!