Gauze and plastic sheets might not seem like important items, but for women experiencing birth in developing countries the items can prove lifesaving.
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On Wednesday night about 40 volunteers came together at Launceston Clinical School to help assemble more than 400 birthing kits.
The event was a collaboration between UTAS health awareness group IMPACT and the Pre-Vocational Obstetrics and Gynaecology Society.
Consisting of gauze, sterile scalpels, gloves, soap, chord ties and plastic sheets, the kits will now be distributed by the Birthing Kit Foundation of Australia to communities in need.
On Wednesday volunteers formed a production line to assemble the kits, after raising hundreds of dollars to purchase the items.
This is the second year a birthing kit event has been held in Launceston, following on from successful collaborations with BKFA in Hobart.
Fourth year Launceston medical student and event organiser Georgia Roberts said she was amazed by the enthusiasm of the students involved.
“I was involved in a similar event in Hobart last year,” she said.
“After the success of that, we decided we needed to have a similar one in Launceston.
“Last year we made about 200 kits and this year we have doubled the number to 400.
“A lot of students have given up their time for this, so I think everyone can see what an important issue it is.”
According to BKFA, about 300,000 women and three million newborns die each year from preventable causes related to pregnancy and childbirth.
Most of these deaths occur in developing countries.
Ms Roberts said the birthing kits could mean the difference between life and death.
“Access to sterile equipment is something we can often take for granted,” she said.
“Most of the deaths that occur in developing countries are preventable – that is the most tragic aspect of this issue.
“These kits are a simple way to make a big impact.”
