PAGA

Meet the Women of PAGA

Sub-Saharan Africa has the highest neonatal mortality rates in the world – accounting for 43 percent of newborn deaths globally per annum. It has been reported that infants who die within the first 28 days of birth, suffer from conditions and diseases associated with lack of quality care at or immediately after birth. Further research has shown that anthropometric measurements – such as weight, length, and head circumference - at birth are strong predictors of neonatal and infant mortality. Through years of research in a clinical setting, the PAGA team discovered that in most cases these measurements are either not taken or recorded – the implications of which serve to compound the already pressing problems that exist with regards to neonatal care in a large portion of clinical settings in South Africa.

The Preterm Anthropometric Growth Apparatus or the PAGA, is designed to be an all-in-one, minimally invasive device that would improve anthropometric measurements of preterm infants – especially those in incubators – by enabling a single device to collect all the necessary measurements without having to remove the infant. With the help of Innovus, the concept for the PAGA was patented, and the funding was raised for the development of the first prototype.

It is difficult to spend time with the women of PAGA and not be infected by the contagious passion exuded by Dr Evette van Niekerk & Klara McClunan. With decades worth of clinical experience in neonatology and nutrition between the two of them, with one simple device the women of PAGA are on a mission to alter the lives of preterm infants – not just in the critical moments after birth but in the years long after.

Dr Evette van Niekerk

Dr Evette van Niekerk is a true force to be reckoned with – in addition to being a qualified dietician, she holds a PhD in Nutritional Sciences obtained from Stellenbosch University in 2014 and is a senior lecturer in the division of Human Nutrition at the university – a position she has held since 2017.

Evette serves as the co-founder and co-inventor of the PAGA, and she believes the true superpower of the device lies in its simplicity. She goes on to stress that today, in all areas of our lives, things have become over-complicated and that the best solution is most often the simplest. Her ability to simplify complex problems into manageable solutions is part of the reason the PAGA is in the process of creation in the first place.

When asked about the biggest female role models who have shaped her life, Evette offers a big smile and after paying credit to her late mother, goes on to say that in addition to the formative role her mother played in her life, she is also states that there is something wonderful and unique to be learnt from every woman she meets.

Evette also believes that one of the greatest barriers to entry facing female entrepreneurs lies in the history of women in the workplace – something she believes means that most often, women entrepreneurs are their own worst enemy, leading to a lack of confidence and follow-through in the workplace.

Her advice to her younger self: “always hold onto your dreams – when it gets difficult or when it feels like you’ve lost your way, those big dreams will always serve as your compass and help you stay on the right path.”

Klara McClunan

A qualified and experienced dietitian by trade, and serving as PAGA’s second co-founder and co-inventor, Klara believes her passion is the ultimate superpower that she brings to the PAGA team. She is no stranger to strong female role models in her life, and credits her grandmother and Evette as two of her biggest role models responsible for shaping who she is and ultimately her career trajectory. If her grandmother taught her the value of hard work and consistently showing up, then she credits Evette with being responsible for fostering her passion and love for neonatology.

Like her co-founder Evette, Klara also believes that one of the biggest barriers to entry facing female entrepreneurs are the traditional social perceptions of what a women’s role in life should be. She goes on to add that most often, it is the incredible pressure women feel to maintain an image of perfection that holds them back from advocating for themselves.

When asked what she believes should be in every entrepreneur’s toolkit, her answer is simple: “motivation, determination, humility, and a clear, concise, organised approach to everything you do.” Coupled to that, her advice to her younger self would be that the path less travelled, is the path less travelled for reason: do not be afraid to explore it.