Knit caps sent to aid infant mortality fight

Each of the 50 or so hats Vicki Akin knitted is only as big as an adult fist, but she knows they could pack a big punch in the fight against infant mortality.

The Las Vegas resident will see the hats' healing power first-hand this week when she delivers them to new mothers and babies in Ethiopia, where millions of children die each year of preventable causes.

"It's more than giving money, it's giving a little piece of yourself," Akin said. "You can do so much with something very simple."

The hats serve as a practical weapon against infant mortality because babies lose much of their body heat from their heads, and they need those calories in their struggle to live.

Akin's efforts are part Knit One, Save One, which is a Save the Children's child survival campaign that is working to raise awareness about the 4 million babies who die each year within the first month of life in poor countries.

The campaign asks knitters and crocheters to make hats for newborns as well as write to lawmakers to help send more resources to the struggling babies in communities around the globe, said Mary Beth Powers, chief of Save the Children's Survive to 5 campaign, a separate part of the initiative.

Pneumonia, diarrhea, malnutrition and complications with birth lead the list of causes for high infant mortality in Ethiopia, a country in eastern Africa. Powers said 123 of every thousand babies die of preventable causes before their first birthday.

She said the difference between life and death can be a 30-cent antibiotic, correct information about breast-feeding and bathing, or sterile birth conditions.

The knit caps help trap heat so already vulnerable babies aren't using more calories to warm themselves, she said.

Akin, 52, was chosen to travel to Ethiopia for a week to deliver the caps and give new mothers simple prenatal and postnatal advice to help their babies survive.

In addition to her skills knitting and purling, Akin brings with her 35 years of experience as a registered labor and delivery nurse and the pearls of wisdom she has gained working in remote, marginalized communities in Alaska.

"I like to travel and experience different cultures and things, and with the nursing shortage being around, it's a great way to do those things," she said.

It takes Akin about an hour to knit one hat. Each colorful cap gets a tag with a greeting and information about its origins.

Akin will hand-deliver her handiwork to the main hospital in Ethiopia's capital as well as a few nearby villages.

After the week in Ethiopia, she will go to Washington, D.C., in April to speak with members of Congress about the trip and Save the Children's work abroad.

Powers said Akin's visit to Capitol Hill will show the interest and concern average Americans have on the issue of child survival and then channel support their way.

Mission aside, Akin is excited about the trip.

"I can't wait to put (the hats) on the babies' heads and hold those babies and maybe attend a birth," Akin said. "It's going to be fabulous. I can't wait."

Contact reporter Maggie Lillis at mlillis@ reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0279.