Newborn

Adolescent Health

Child Health

Overview

A newborn infant, or neonate, is a child under 28 days of age. During these first 28 days of life, the child is at the highest risk of dying. Approximately 75% of all newborn deaths occur during the first week of life, and up to 45% occur within the first 24 hours.

In the African Region, 1.1 million newborn deaths occurred during 2022, almost half the global total of 2.3 million. The main causes include prematurity, birth asphyxia and trauma, lower respiratory infections, and sepsis and other infectious conditions. These causes account for nearly 80% of the deaths in this age group.

Of the 11 countries with preterm birth rates of over 15%, all but two are in the Region. Half of the Region’s newborn deaths occur in just five countries – Nigeria, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, United Republic of Tanzania, and Uganda

Over 70% of newborn deaths can be prevented through quality care preconception, as well as during pregnancy, childbirth and post natally. Improving care around the time of birth and the first week of life, including care for small and/or sick newborns, with nurturing care, offers the greatest survival benefit, whilst also placing newborns on a trajectory to thrive and reach their full potential.

The high rates of preventable death and poor health and well-being of newborns and children under the age of five are indicators of the uneven coverage of life-saving interventions.

For example, nearly one third of all newborns do not receive care from skilled health personnel during and immediately after birth. Close to one in two newborns do not benefit from early initiation of breastfeeding, within one hour of birth. Early initiation of breastfeeding can protect the newborn from acquiring infections, significantly reduces neonatal mortality, and increases the likelihood of exclusive breastfeeding.

Suboptimal newborn health outcomes are also reflective of inadequate social and economic development. Poverty, poor nutrition and insufficient access to clean water and sanitation are all harmful factors, as is insufficient access to quality health services.

A newborn infant, or neonate, is a child under 28 days of age. During these first 28 days of life, the child is at the highest risk of dying. Approximately 75% of all newborn deaths occur during the first week of life, and up to 45% occur within the first 24 hours.

In the African Region, 1.12 million newborn deaths occur annually. The main causes include prematurity and low-birth-weight, infections, lack of oxygen at birth, and birth trauma. These causes account for nearly 80% of the deaths in this age group.

Many newborns that are born prematurely are more susceptible to infections such as HIV. Preventative antiretroviral therapy (ART) can help prevent otherwise high transmission rates.

Nearly half of all newborns do not receive skilled care during and immediately after birth and up to two thirds of deaths can be prevented. Early initiation of breastfeeding—within one hour of birth—can protect the newborn from acquiring infections and significantly reduces infant mortality.

Of the 11 countries with preterm birth rates of over 15%, all but two are in the Region. Half of the Region’s newborn deaths occur in just five countries – Nigeria, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, United Republic of Tanzania and Uganda.