Babies across Australia are developing serious infections because their parents are forced to reuse soiled nappies.
Dr Vincent Candrawinata has joined The Nappy Collective as an official advocate to highlight the serious and growing health impacts facing babies and young children due to nappy poverty.
“No child in Australia should be at risk of infection because their parents can’t afford something as basic as a clean nappy,” Dr Vincent said.
“As a scientist and health and wellness expert, I’ve seen firsthand how something so simple can have devastating long-term effects, from rashes and skin breakdown to infections that require hospital care.”
One in six Australian children lives in poverty. For many families, the rising cost of essentials means that nappies become an unaffordable luxury.
Many families are using nappies for far longer than recommended or washing and reusing soiled disposable nappies.
“Prolonged exposure to moisture, bacteria and waste can lead to painful nappy rash, urinary tract infections, and fungal or bacterial skin infections,” Dr Vincent said.
“In more severe cases, children can develop open sores, cellulitis and systemic infections that may require antibiotics or hospitalisation.
“These preventable health issues are becoming increasingly common among families experiencing financial stress and are placing additional pressure on an already stretched healthcare system.”
The Nappy Collective CEO Sue Karzis said more needed to be done to address the silent health crisis impacting children who did not have a voice.
The Nappy Collective is a national Australian charity dedicated to supporting families experiencing nappy stress – the struggle to afford enough clean nappies for their babies and young children.
The organisation collects unused disposable nappies and redistributes them to families in crisis, and advocates for greater public awareness of nappy poverty and its hidden impact on child health, poverty and social equality.
For more information or to donate, visit www.thenappycollective.com.
