BARMER, Aug. 4 -- In a move to curb infant mortality due to hypothermia among malnourished newborns, the Rajasthan health department has introduced temperature monitoring wristbands in a special program under the Kangaroo Care initiative, officials aware of the matter said on Sunday. Medical experts emphasised that malnourished newborns are particularly vulnerable to sudden drops in body temperature, which can rapidly escalate into life-threatening conditions. The wristband serves as an early warning system by continuously monitoring the baby's temperature, they said, adding that if the temperature falls below the critical threshold of 35.5degC, an alarm sounds, enabling immediate intervention and prompting parents to take urgent measures. Dr Harish Chouhan, pediatric specialist at the government hospital in Barmer, highlighted the importance of this initiative, stating, "The Kangaroo Care program with wristband alarms is expected to be a breakthrough in saving malnourished newborns. Along with proper awareness, this device will ensure families can take timely action to prevent fatalities caused by hypothermia." The health department has prioritised nine districts-Barmer, Jaisalmer, Pali, Dausa, Pratapgarh, Tonk, Jodhpur, Bikaner, and Dungarpur-where malnutrition rates remain significantly high. Special kits containing the wristband devices have been dispatched to district hospitals for distribution to families of low-weight newborns. Each kit also includes detailed instructions to educate mothers and caregivers on using the device and the importance of maintaining neonatal warmth. The program combines modern technology with traditional neonatal care methods, promising to improve survival rates and health outcomes for thousands of vulnerable infants across Rajasthan's rural and tribal regions, Chouhan said. He explained that newborns, especially those with low birth weight, often struggle to regulate their body temperature. If the minimum required temperature of 35.5degC is not maintained, the baby's energy levels drop drastically, compromising immunity and increasing susceptibility to diseases, conditions that can be fatal if not detected early. In addition to distributing the kits, health officials are also working to raise awareness about neonatal care. Parents will receive training on simple yet effective methods to keep their babies warm, including skin-to-skin contact, proper wrapping, and appropriate feeding practices....