Premature birth is a common problem in Tanzania and most hospitals lack enough incubators to provide the care the babies need. The Huddersfield - Moshi Warmcot is a tried and tested solution to this problem. Originating in a collaborative project between British and Tanzanian students over twenty years ago, it was refined and developed and put into service in hospitals in Kilimanjaro Region.

The Warmcot is basically a wooden cot heated by electric light bulbs which serves as a low-technology incubator. It is therefore straightforward for people with carpentry skills to manufacture in Tanzania, and is easy to maintain. The cots are produced close to the point of need, providing employment for local technicians. There are no complicated components to go wrong - nursing staff remain responsible for monitoring the baby's body temperature and a series of switches enables them to make adjustments as needed.

Over 200 Warmcots have now been deployed in hospitals and dispensaries throughout Tanzania saving lives over many years.

Apart from the temperature regulation function, medical staff using the Warmcots report that having an incubator for each baby reduces cross-infection. They also report that because it looks like a cot rather than a machine mothers are less anxious about putting their babies into a Warmcot than a conventional modern incubator if one is available.

In 2016 and 2017 Warmcots were produced in Musoma, Tanzania and distributed by the Diocese of Mara to local hospitals and health centres. As word has got round we are receiving requests for more.

It costs approximately £80 to make a cot and put it into service.

On the weekend of 19th-20th May I shall be taking part in a 100 mile sponsored bike ride to raise money for more Warmcots. I've set a £500 target, but the more we raise the more cots we can donate.