Innovating Newborn Care in Belize

BEMPU & UNICEF: Saving Lives Through Continuous Monitoring

Transforming Neonatal Care in Belize

Through a partnership with UNICEF, BEMPU has introduced innovative newborn monitoring solutions to healthcare facilities across Belize. Our medical-grade devices help nurses, midwives, and parents detect and prevent life-threatening conditions in newborns.

In Belize, where access to advanced NICU equipment can be limited, BEMPU's affordable, portable solutions have become essential tools for improving newborn survival rates and enabling continuous kangaroo care.

50% of newborn deaths in Belize are caused by prematurity — making access to monitoring technology critical.

Nurses in Belize trained with BEMPU TempWatch and KangaSling

Why Belize?

Belize faces challenges common to many Caribbean and Central American nations: limited access to advanced neonatal monitoring in rural areas, high rates of neonatal hypothermia, and the need to strengthen kangaroo mother care (KMC) practices.

BEMPU's partnership with UNICEF Belize, supported by the Republic of Korea and aligned with Belize's Newborn Action Plan 2024-2030, addresses these gaps through practical, evidence-based innovations.

First Delivery to Belize

BEMPU's first donation to Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH) in Belmopan included:

525

TempWatch Devices

KangaSling Devices

BellyButton Devices

ApneBoot Devices

UNICEF is committed to equitable access across all regional health facilities in Belize through a series of deliveries.

Products & Clinical Impact

TempWatch

Hypothermia Detection Bracelet — Nurses in Belize use TempWatch to continuously monitor newborn temperature. The device alerts staff with a beep and red light if a baby becomes cold, enabling prompt intervention.

Reduces neonatal hypothermia incidents
Encourages more kangaroo care sessions
Helps prevent weight loss in first week of life
ISO 13485 certified medical device
CE Approved for European deployment

Nurse in Belize using BEMPU TempWatch to monitor baby temperature

KangaSling

Ergonomic Kangaroo Care Wrap — Baby Larios, born at 28 weeks weighing just 2 pounds 9 ounces, became the first baby in Belize to be placed in the KangaSling — successfully demonstrating how the wrap enables secure, extended kangaroo care even for the most vulnerable premature infants.

Supports WHO recommendation for 8–24 hours daily kangaroo care
100% cotton, machine washable, reusable
Secure design builds parent confidence
Unisex — used by both mothers and fathers

BellyButton

Baby Movement Monitor — For NICU-discharged infants and anxious parents, BellyButton monitors abdominal movement and alerts caregivers if movement pauses exceed 20 seconds, offering reassurance during vulnerable periods.

Detects abdominal movement pauses
Phone app notifications (optional)
7-day battery life per charge
Suitable for babies 0–24 months

Baby in Belize being monitored with BEMPU BellyButton and TempWatch

Premature baby in Belize wearing TempWatch in incubator

ApneBoot

Apnea Detection & Tactile Stimulation — In Belize's NICUs, ApneBoot monitors oxygen and heart rate while providing immediate tactile stimulation via foot vibration to help babies restart breathing during apnea episodes.

Real-time O₂ and heart rate monitoring
Automatic foot vibration stimulation
Reduces delayed nursing response times
ISO 13485 certified medical device

Our Partners in Belize

UNICEF Belize

UNICEF's partnership, led by UNICEF Representative Alison Parker and Health and Nutrition Specialist Dr. Olusola Oladeji, has been instrumental in integrating BEMPU innovations into healthcare facilities across Belize. Through training programs, supply chain support, and advocacy, UNICEF ensures these life-saving tools reach the babies and families who need them most.

The partnership is aligned with Belize's Newborn Action Plan 2024-2030, developed jointly by the Ministry of Health & Wellness and UNICEF.

Primary Healthcare Facility

Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH), Belmopan

First facility to receive BEMPU donation. Operates NICU and serves as hub for regional rollout.

🎓 Training & Capacity Building

BEMPU and UNICEF conduct regular training sessions for nurses, midwives, and healthcare providers in Belize to ensure proper use of monitoring devices and maximize clinical outcomes. Rollout is planned for all regional health facilities across the country.