A new report by a global coalition, which includes UNICEF and WHO, has stated that nearly 30 million babies are born too soon, too small; or become sick every year and need specialised care to survive. The report, ‘Survive and Thrive: Transforming care for every small and sick newborn’, finds that among the newborn babies, most at risk of death and disability are those with complications from prematurity, brain injury during childbirth, severe bacterial infection or jaundice, and those with congenital conditions.
At the launch of the report, Omar Abdi, UNICEF Deputy Executive Director, noted that when it comes to babies and their mothers, the right care at the right time in the right place can make all the difference; yet, millions of small and sick babies and women are dying every year simply because they do not receive the quality care that is their right and our collective responsibility.
According to the report, for every mother and baby, a healthy start from pregnancy through childbirth and the first months after birth is essential. Without specialised treatment, many at-risk newborns won’t survive their first month of life. In 2017, some 2.5 million newborns died, mostly from preventable causes. Almost two-thirds of babies who die were born premature. And even if they survive, these babies face chronic diseases or developmental delays. In addition, an estimated 1 million small and sick newborns survive with a long-term disability.
The health experts have made it clear that, with nurturing care, these babies can live without major complications. The report shows that, by 2030, in 81 countries, the lives of 2.9 million women, stillborns and newborns can be saved with smarter strategies. For example, if the same health team cares for both mother and baby through labour, birth and beyond, they can identify problems early on.
In addition, according to the report, almost 68 per cent of newborn’s deaths could be averted by 2030 with simple fixes, such as exclusive breastfeeding; skin-to-skin contact between the mother or father and the baby; medicines and essential equipment; and access to clean, well-equipped health facilities staffed by skilled health workers. Other measures, like resuscitating a baby who cannot breathe properly; giving the mother an injection to prevent bleeding; or delaying the cutting of the umbilical cord, could also save millions.
The report notes that the world will not achieve the global target of health for all unless it transforms care for every newborn. Without rapid progress, some countries will not meet this target for another 11 decades.
In Guyana, despite progress achieved during the last decade, this country continues to experience one of the highest maternal and infant mortality rates in Latin America and the Caribbean, with a maternal mortality rate estimated at 121 per 1,000 live births and an infant mortality rate at 22 per 1,000 live births. Just recently, the media carried reports of relatives complaining of the poor care that was provided to pregnant mothers at the hospital. While we have had several such cases in the past, very little has been done to remedy the situation; at least this seems to be the general feeling of the populace.
To reduce the number of newborn’s deaths, the report has made a number of recommendations which would be useful to Guyana and other countries. These include: Providing round-the-clock in-patient care for newborns seven days a week; training nurses to provide hands-on care working in partnership with families; harnessing the power of parents and families by teaching them how to become expert caregivers and care for their babies — which can reduce stress, help babies gain weight, and allow their brains to develop properly. Providing good quality of care should be part of a country’s policies, and a lifelong investment for those who are born small or sick; and allocating the necessary resources as an additional investment of US$ 0.20 cents per person can save 2 of every 3 newborns in low- and middle-income countries by 2030.
It is hoped that renewed efforts will be made by health authorities worldwide, including in Guyana, to ensure that legislative, medical, human and financial resources are in place to save our newborns from death and diseases.
