Millions of infants die in infancy in sub-Sahara Africa

Ho, Feb. 14, GNA - Four million infants mostly in developing countries die in their first months every year, representing 40 percent of all infants in developing countries who lose their lives before age five. Majority of such infant deaths occur in South Asia, with sub-Sahara Africa recording the highest rates of such deaths.

These were contained in the January 2007 edition of "Save the Children", published by Population Reference Bureau based in Washington DC.

It said more than half a million women die each year from pregnancy complications and in labour in sub-Sahara Africa and South Asia. The publication said more than 60 million women in developing countries deliver at home each year without the benefit of skilled care. It said early post natal care is critical to promote healthy household practices such as exclusive breastfeeding that are key to child health and survival.

The publication said the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines from 1998 recommended that post natal care for all newborns should include immediate and exclusive breastfeeding, warming of the infant, hygienic care of the umbilical cord and timely identification of danger signs, referral and treatment.

It said for mothers, recommended care included maintaining and referral for complications such as excessive bleeding, pain and infection, counselling on breast care and breastfeeding and advice on nutrition, new born care practices and family planning.

Providing postnatal care visits in community settings requires the collaboration of policy makers, health professionals, community organizations, local caregivers, parents and families it said. The publication said to reduce newborn and maternal mortality, essential postnatal care should be promoted and supported in policies and integrated into existing local health programmes.