A report by a global coalition that includes UNICEF and WHO had stated that nearly 30 million babies are born too soon, too small, or become sick every year and need specialized care to survive. The report, ‘Survive and Thrive: Transforming care for every small and sick newborn’, found 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.
UNICEF Deputy Executive Director Omar Abdi, at the launch of the report, had said 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 because they simply 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 specialized 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 prematurely. 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 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 to achieve 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, President Dr Irfaan Ali last week said that with massive investment in the public health care sector, the lowest child mortality rate recorded in Guyana’s is one of the many improvements in the sector.
Revealing statistics, the Head of State said that child mortality rate is now 13 per 1,000 births when compared to 19 per 1,000 births in 2020. Significantly, Guyana’s maternal mortality has moved from 170 per 10,000 deliveries in 2017 to 96 per 10,000 deliveries in 2023. To reduce the number of newborn deaths, the report has made a number of recommendations which would be useful to Guyana and other countries. These include: Providing round-the-clock inpatient 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 a part of country 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.
