- Globally, the highest number of neonatal deaths and stillbirths occurs in India, followed by Nigeria and Pakistan.
- This also increases the number of maternal deaths.
- Half of all deaths occurring under the age of 5 are neonatal deaths. The first 24 hrs after birth are critical for the survival of a neonate.
- More than half of all neonatal deaths occur due to preterm delivery. Some risk factors for preterm delivery are:
- Poverty
- Adolescent pregnancy
- Inadequate spacing of deliveries
- Lack of medical care
- Since half of the stillbirths occur during delivery, proper care can prevent it considerably.
- India has been unsuccessful in reducing the death rates due to a large amount of deliveries happening at home, especially in UP, Bihar.
- Steps to reduce deaths:
- Increasing number of well-trained attendants.
- Well-equipped health care centres.
- Improve the qualigy of neonatal care.
- Read at: http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-opinion/fighting-for-survival/article6083808.ece
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