Mumbag Safespot
How can we help people in humanitarian crises?
HOISK has for some time been working on a universal design concept. Our aim is to improve conditions for newborns and mums in refugee camps and areas of environmental and humanitarian crises.
We have been co-operating with designer Johan Verde and four students of design in the early phase of the project. DOGA (Design and Architecture Norway) has sponsored part of the development and insight. Innovasjon Norge contributed to the project in the early phase.
Facts
Forced displacement rose to 120 million in May 2024. A result of ongoing crises and newly emerging and evolving conflicts.
Read more: https://news.un.org/en/story/2024/06/1150981
Climate Change
This week, with the United Nations Climate Change Conference under way, new research shows how climate disasters are severely impacting poor and vulnerable women and girls , with extreme heat and other weather events increasing the risk of stillbirth, miscarriage, premature births and maternal deaths. In light of the global crisis, we provide a powerful photo essay and a list of what women and girls need most. And in Ethiopia's Somali region, which has been ravaged by drought , we report on how UNFPA is working with health facilities and women's advocates to improve crucial maternal care. Read more: https://www.unfpa.org/
Birth on the run
“I was giving birth on the border, surrounded by displaced families who shared the same pain and fear,” she said. “But when I heard my daughter’s cry, everything stopped. I felt her warmth, and at that moment, all my fears melted away. I felt stronger than ever.”
Khawla named her newborn daughter Amal, which means “hope”.
Read more: https://www.unfpa.org/news/childbirth-run-amid-mass-exodus-lebanon-medical-support-urgently-needed
Pilots
Drop in the Sea - Greece
HOISK and NGO “A drop in the Sea” have cooperated on a project in Greek refugee camps in 2019. The aim is to secure pregnant women before giving birth. Our insulated and foldable bag concept can be used as a carryon for babies.
HOISK Safespot Mumbags were delivered together with clothes and blankets for mum and baby before handed out to pregnant women in one of the camps.
Today I delivered the last mumbag in the refugee camp! I went with an interpreter and asked the first nine mums to receive the bag. They have had it for a while now (three babies were born during the last two weeks). They are all very pleased with the mumbag and they mainly use it as a daybed for their baby.
- 9. August 2019, Anne, Volunteer, Dråpen i Havet
Read more: “Dråpen i Havet”
Care Norway
CARE Norway brought samples of the Mumbag Safespot to Zaatari refugee camp in Jordan with good response on use of the bag in areas of crisis with cold climate and bad conditions.
Sustainable Development Goals
“#3: ENSURE HEALTHY LIVES AND PROMOTE WELL-BEING FOR ALL AT ALL AGES
This Goal includes a comprehensive agenda for tackling a wide range of global health challenges, from tuberculosis and AIDS to traffic accidents and alcoholism. Goal 3 also calls for achieving “universal health coverage”; reducing illness and death caused by pollution; and increasing the global health workforce, especially in the world’s poorer countries.
Our contribution:
”By using the mumbag as a cot for babies adding an insect repellent mosquito net, we aim to reduce malaria”
“#5: ACHIEVE GENDER EQUALITY AND EMPOWER WOMEN AND GIRLS
Equality and empowerment includes freedom from discrimination and violence. It also includes making sure woman have their equal share of leadership opportunities and responsibilities, as well as property ownership and other concrete reflections of power in society. Note that the Targets for this Goal make several references to the need to be nationally “appropriate” in interpreting what they mean.
Our contribution:
«Empower women by securing basic needs for mum and baby the first months after giving birth.”
“#10: REDUCE INEQUALITY WITHIN AND AMONG COUNTRIES
The world is astonishingly unequal: the richest 80 people have the same wealth as the bottom 3.5 billion. The Goal includes a range of measures, including regulation of the financial markets, to make the playing field more level. Importantly, it also covers the issue of migration, which should be “orderly, safe, regular and responsible.”
Our contribution:
”Support migrating families.”
*IOM - UN Migration
As we walk, more goals will be added towards sustainable production and innovation, partnership, responsible consumption and production, and climate action.