An antiseptic gel developed from mouthwash has been used to help to protect 12,000 Kenyan babies from life threatening infections.
Scientists at GlaxoSmithKline created the product from the chlorhexidine solution which is found in Corsodyl, among other brands.
It is rubbed into newly cut umbilical cords and kills bacteria, with the UN estimating it could save more than 400,000 lives over five years.
Dr Pauline Williams, who came up with the idea, said: "Chlorhexidine is quite a well-known and widely used product and the use of it on the umbilical cord replaces cow dung, gecko droppings and soot that have been used culturally to try to separate the cord earlier. So using an antiseptic makes a lot of sense."
Charity Save the Children has been working with the drug company to formulate the product for use in developing countries where around 28% of newborn deaths are due to infection.
It will be sold at a not-for-profit price and last month was approved for use in Liberia after being endorsed by the European Medicines Agency.
The company said it would share its knowledge with local companies hoping to make the gel.
Women in Bungoma County in Kenya are among those who have already been given the gel due to high rates of infant mortality.
Selvie Ochekwemoi lost two of her children to infection. The first died at just 11 days old.
Her newborn has been given the new treatment and she is feeling positive.
"When I gave birth to this child, they gave me medicine to apply on the umbilical cord," she said.
"The baby did not feel any pain on the umbilical cord and did not produce any pus and he healed very fast. I am ever grateful because the baby did not get sick, he is doing just fine."
It is hoped the treatment will be available in sub-Saharan Africa and Asia in the future.
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