Researchers have developed a high-tech bangle that notifies women of toxic fumes, in hopes of boosting maternal health in South Asia.<\/p>\n
The colourful, lightweight bangle works by issuing audio tips to help expectant mothers avoid harmful substances.<\/p>\n
As remote communities are receiving more services than ever, the bangle sends information directly to mothers \u2013 to \u2013 be and is built to withstand the rigors of village life.<\/p>\n
Coel, or carbon monoxide exposure limiter, was created by Grameen Intel Social Business Ltd., a joint venture of Intel Corporation, and Bangladesh non-profit Grameen Trust.<\/p>\n
The bangle is designed to sound and alarm if high levels of carbon monoxide fumes are generated when cooking with firewood, charcoal or dung, warning the wearer to move away.<\/p>\n
Chief operating officer at Grameen Intel Social Business, Pavel Hoq, who pioneered the new device, said: \u201cIn rural areas, mobile connectivity and mobile access for women \u2013 is an issue, as phones are controlled by men.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhile we had also developed mobile apps for maternal health, we realized a wearable device solely for women, something she would likely wear all the time, would be better to connect with women in rural areas.\u201d<\/p>\n
The bangle includes a long-lasting battery that does not require charging throughout the duration of a pregnancy and can work without a sufficient internet connection.<\/p>\n
The smart accessory is water-resistant, due to its durable plastic design and is made to blend in with decorative bangles usually worn by South Asian married women,<\/p>\n
Coel, which is designed to withstand the rough and tumble of daily chores, delivers two wellness messages a week in the local language, including what to eat and when to see the doctor.<\/p>\n
Every day, about 830 women worldwide die from pregnancy or childbirth-related complications, according to the World Health Organization, with nearly a third of these taking place in South Asia.<\/p>\n
Maternal mortality is higher among women living in rural areas and poorer communities, where access to healthcare is often forbidden or deficient due to a lack of female medics and facilities.<\/p>\n
In India, where Coel has been tested in amongst the poorest states in the country, maternal and neonatal deaths are nearly 10 times higher.<\/p>\n
\u201cEasy access to knowledge is crucial in these countries, particularly for first-time mothers.\u201d Said Hoq<\/p>\n
\u201cWe want this device to be a tool of empowerment for women.\u201d<\/p>\n