TEMPO Temperature Watches for Preterm Babies in Uganda Helping Detect Hypothermia Early

At Preterm Infants Parents Network Uganda, we continue to support families of preterm babies with tools that improve survival at home. One of the major risks affecting preterm infants in Uganda is hypothermia (low body temperature). This is especially common during cold or wet seasons, but it can occur at any time because preterm babies have very little body fat and cannot regulate their temperature well. To help address this challenge, we are using TEMPO temperature watches, provided through our partnership with Dimagi. What Are TEMPO Temperature Watches? TEMPO watches are wearable devices placed on a baby’s wrist. They continuously monitor the baby’s temperature and provide real-time alerts when the temperature drops. Once activated, the device works for 30 days. How the TEMPO Watch Works When the baby’s temperature is normal, the watch shows a blue light When the temperature drops, it changes to orange light When it turns orange, the device also beeps every 30 seconds This alerts the caregiver that the baby may be getting cold. What Parents Should Do When the Alarm Activates When the watch turns orange, parents are advised to: Immediately start Kangaroo Mother Care (skin-to-skin contact) Add extra warm clothing or covering Monitor the baby closely for 30 minutes to 1 hour If the temperature does not improve after these steps, it is a warning sign. Parents should then: Seek immediate care at a nearby health facility Consider that the baby may need medical treatment or incubator care Why This Matters for Preterm Babies Hypothermia is one of the leading risks for preterm baby complications and death. Early detection helps: Prevent worsening of low body temperature Reduce risk of infection and complications Support timely hospital referral Improve survival outcomes Our Experience in the Field Through follow-up visits, we have observed that many preterm baby deaths are linked to undetected hypothermia at home. The TEMPO temperature watches help close this gap by giving mothers early warning signs so they can act immediately. Partnership for Better Care These devices were introduced through a partnership with Dimagi, supporting efforts to strengthen Kangaroo Mother Care and home-based monitoring for preterm babies. Conclusion TEMPO temperature watches are a simple but powerful tool helping parents detect hypothermia early and respond quickly. By combining technology with Kangaroo Mother Care, we are improving survival chances for preterm babies in Uganda.