The MNK Project
What is the MNK Project?
An MNK is a Mother’s Newborn Kit. The “Mother’s Newborn Kit” Project seeks to provide necessary items that hospitals require expectant mothers to bring for the birth of their baby. Without these items, pregnant women are turned away. We want to give more unborn children the ability to come into this world in a clean and safe environment.
Why have MNKs?
In many developing countries, expecting women often cannot afford the supplies local hospitals require for delivery. The hospitals are unable to provide the supplies themselves, and without these supplies, clinics and hospitals will not deliver the baby.
Even swaddling blankets are hard for some women to afford. Some mothers giving birth might cut cloth from the clothing she wears to hand to the doctor to receive the baby.
AED put together a kit that would give the mother, the doctor, and the baby the things they would need, all in a small, inexpensive light packet. This packet is called a Mother’s Newborn Kit.
The Numbers
Sierra Leone, with 80.1 deaths per 1,000 live births, has the highest infant mortality rate in the world. Central African Republic, Somalia, and Nigeria are the second, third, and fourth in highest infant mortality rates.1
Intrapartum complications and infections are the second and third greatest causes of infant mortality globally.2 They are also a major cause of maternal mortality.3 The highest neonatal and maternal mortality rates are in countries with underdeveloped healthcare systems, where access to basic safe medical supplies and equipment is limited.4
Stephen’s Experience with MNK
“When I was growing up, my mother struggled a lot. It felt like she was a single mother because my dad was never there. I saw her go to the hospital to give birth. The nurses were willing to help, but they informed her that she needed to go buy all the supplies she would need in preparation for the child being born. Because she did not have money, it was a struggle. Mothers need to be respected, loved, and cared for. That has always been my goal. I want every mother to be taken care of. That’s why AED also assembles and distributes Mother’s Newborn Kits (MNK).”
What goes in a MNK?
Each MNK cost only $20 USD.
- Disposable Under-pad (23 x 36)
- 2 Alcohol Prep Pads
- Sterile Disposable Scalpel #10
- 2 Sterile Gauze Sponges (4×4)
- Soap (Small Bar)
- Sterile Baby Nasal Aspirator
- Maternity Pad
- Mesh Underwear(Disposable – Large)
- 2 Sterile Umbilical Clamps
- Surgical Gloves (Sterile, Packaged in pairs)
- Newborn Receiving Blanket
- Newborn Cap/Beanie (Unisex)
- Newborn Diaper
Put all items in a gallon zipper storage bag.
How You Can Support the MNK Project?
Assemble MNKs yourself!
Use the list above to collect the supplies each MNK needs. Use the video below to fit it all together. Once you’ve assembled an MNK, donate it to AED through shipping or drop-off.
Give a Monetary Donation
Click the donate link on our website, make sure to select MNK, and we’ll take care of the rest.
Host an MNK Party
Host an MNK Party where everyone brings some supplies.
Do an organization MNK Team-Building Activity
Do an MNK building project with your team as a way to build good teamwork and help others.
Order Items and Send to AED
Order the items listed and send them to AED, where we’ll use them to assemble MNKs.
Hold a Supply Drive
Hand out lists of MNK supplies and collect item donations from your workplace or community.
Download and print this MNK list to put inside your kit.
How to assemble a MNK
Watch the video to learn how to put your Mothers’ Newborn Kit together.
Spread awareness!
Social media is a great way to support a nonprofit like us and our mission with just the click of a button.
Learn About Our Other Projects
Learn about other ways we provide essential resources for life to underserved communities.