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One newborn child dies every 15 minutes in Ghana with 30,000 newborn
deaths recorded each year. This according to a statement by the United
Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF), accounts for
40% of the under- five mortality in Ghana. Three out of the four
children who die each hour could be saved through simple, effective
and low-cost interventions according to the statement, describing the
deaths as unnecessary. It said deaths of the newborn in Ghana over the
last 10 years had remained unchanged. The statement further states,
"Infections (31%), preterm and low birth weight (29%), and
complications including asphyxia (breathing difficulty 27&) make up
over three- fourth (87%) of the causes of newborn deaths in Ghana."
"As many as 24,000 newborn babies in Ghana can be saved annually using
these low-cost interventions," the statement said. The statement
suggested that proven low-cost interventions such as keeping the baby
warm, early initiation of breastfeeding at birth, exclusive
breastfeeding, timely management of infections and hygienic umbilical
cord care were simple ways that could save the lives of the newborn.
Source: The Finder
