HYDERABAD: The number of newborn deaths in India is 25 per 1,000 live births, which constitutes nearly a quarter of the newborn deaths globally, according to ‘Being Alive’, a report released by UNICEF on Tuesday.
Bangladesh does better with 20.1 and Pakistan and Afghanistan do worse at 45.6 and 40 respectively.
The report also stated that almost 80 per cent of the deaths of newborn children could be avoided if proper medical care, nutrition during pregnancy for mothers, and facilities were available.
India is ranked 12th of the 52 lower middle income countries when it comes to newborn mortality rates.
Gynaecologist Dr T.S. Akshara, says, “We have been ranked higher than our less prosperous neighbours because most programmes implemented by the government for child safety and women’s welfare are spread diversely with a few places reaping the benefit. We should ensure that newborn babies get the best of treatment while in the womb and outside.”
Poor newborn mortality rate linked to lack of mother’s education: Study
As part of the Being Alive Campaign, UNICEF has asked all countries to up the cooperation between governments, healthcare providers and patients by ensuring the 4 P’s: Power i.e. empowering women to make the best decisions, Place i.e. ensuring community based health care facilities, followed by People i.e. trained health staff, and Products, which is equipment and drugs needed for delivery.
Another important aspect raised in the report is the ‘quality’ of services i.e. not whether the resources or services exist, but how they are deployed. ‘Quality is also about health workers believing that the life of every mother and baby is worth saving, regardless of income, age, ethnicity, religion and social or cultural norms,’ states the report.
Dr V.P. Jyotsna, a gynaecologist, says that according to WHO standards, basic minimum level of care must be provided to every woman. “People often avoid hospitals because of the stigma against C-sections but can a housewife or an untrained professional guarantee safety of the mother or baby when there is a mishap? Irrespective of caste, creed or economic condition prenatal complications can arise. Just because of social differences, no woman should be denied medical care, treatment or facilities.”
The report also states that the poor newborn mortality rate is linked to lack of mother’s education and economic background.
Gynaecologist S.K. Shilpi Reddy says, “The intention to access health care should firstly be present even in rural areas. Despite the government providing money for institutional deliveries and providing vaccines and protein powders free, people from rural areas do not visit hospitals until a complication arises.
With proper check-ups and nutrition for the mother and screening of the foetus, we can ensure a healthy child. The neonatal outcome will be successful only if antenatal care is given.”
Another important aspect raised in the report was breastfeeding. The report states that some health-care workers do not have the time, knowledge or skills to overcome misconceptions about breastfeeding.
Experts say that unless the benefits of breastfeeding are taught to mothers - that it contains antibodies to fight viruses and bacteria — the practice will not be widely followed.
