Newborn Health

Globally, every year 4 million babies die during the neonatal period, more than a quarter in the African Region. Neonatal mortality of 45 per 1000 live births in the African Region is the highest globally. Interventions to prevent 72% of these deaths do exist, however the coverage is very low globally and worse in the African region. It is a fact that achieving the MDG -4 will be far from realization without extra efforts in addressing newborn and neonatal mortality. The good news is that there are promising opportunities possible in African countries and indeed many are possible within existing programmes which could save at least two-thirds of neonatal deaths.

For years Newborn health has tended to fall between the cracks of maternal and child health strategies however of late, globally there is renewed interest in maternal, newborn and child health. In the African Region this is demonstrated by some specific processes like the Road Map for accelerated reduction of maternal and newborn mortality; and the new Child survival strategies initiated in several countries. There is also improved cooperation between key partners on maternal and child health both globally and in the Region.

Active review of existing programmes to add in newborn care catalyses strengthening and integration of MNCH programmes. The newborn component of the Programme is focusing on strengthening capacity for New Born Health integration in Maternal and Child health programmes; strengthening capacity for newborn care at both health facility and community levels.