A new initiative aimed at reducing infant deaths is being rolled out at University Maternity Hospital, Limerick.

It will see baby boxes distributed to all mothers of newborns from today and doctors hope it will give an equal chance of survival to all babies.

Limerick is the first to introduce the scheme and expects to distribute up to 5- thousand-boxes this year.

Dr Gerry Burke is a Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at University Maternity Hospital, Limerick.