October 26, 2016
Innovative, low cost NIFTY™ Cup seeks to save millions of lives
Each year, there are millions of babies born prematurely or with oral clefts in developing countries who struggle to breast feed.
These babies are often at high risk for malnourishment, infection, and often death, but thanks to Christy McKinney, a clinical assistant professor of oral health sciences, a new feeding aid for them is now readying for widespread distribution across Africa.
In partnership with PATH and Seattle Children’s, McKinney has developed the NIFTY™ cup (Neonatal Intuitive Feeding TechnologY), a low-cost silicone cup with a small reservoir and spout that allows mothers to easily and safely feed these vulnerable newborns. As a result, this innovative intervention has the potential to solve a major global challenge, which could save millions of lives.