Innovation to prevent sudden infant death: the wahakura as an Indigenous vision for a safe sleep environment

David Tipene‐Leach, Sally Abel · 2019 · Australian Journal of Primary Health

Summary. Māori communities in New Zealand developed the wahakura, a flax bassinet designed to prevent sudden infant death while respecting cultural practices like bedsharing. Research demonstrated its safety and acceptability. Distribution of wahakura and related safe sleep devices through health boards, combined with culturally appropriate education, contributed to a 29% drop in infant mortality between 2009-2015, with the largest gains among Māori infants, showing how indigenous knowledge and community engagement reduce health inequities.

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@article{tipene-leach-2019-innovation-prevent-sudden-infant-death,
  title   = {Innovation to prevent sudden infant death: the wahakura as an Indigenous vision for a safe sleep environment},
  author  = {David Tipene‐Leach and Sally Abel},
  journal = {Australian Journal of Primary Health},
  year    = {2019},
  doi     = {10.1071/py19033},
  url     = {https://doi.org/10.1071/py19033}
}

TY  - JOUR
TI  - Innovation to prevent sudden infant death: the wahakura as an Indigenous vision for a safe sleep environment
AU  - David Tipene‐Leach
AU  - Sally Abel
JO  - Australian Journal of Primary Health
PY  - 2019
DO  - 10.1071/py19033
UR  - https://doi.org/10.1071/py19033
ER  - 

Details

DOI

10.1071/py19033

Countries

New Zealand

Regions

Oceania

Categories

indigenous-innovation, rural-healthcare

Added

2026-04-28