Purpose: To demonstrate that an increasing proportion of global infant mortality is neonatal, with resultant implications for international Maternal and Child Health (MCH) policy and funding. Background: Child survival traditionally focuses on infectious diseases in the post-neonatal period. As post-neonatal mortality falls, the proportion of infant deaths in the neonatal period rises, requiring new approaches. Neonatal health has long-term effects on disability and potentially on chronic disease in adult life. There is growing field, policy, donor interest in newborn health. Methods: We examined data from Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) and WHO databases, combining these with an extensive review of the global literature, to estimate the size of the problem of neonatal mortality and the major causes of neonatal deaths. Results: There are an estimated 5.3 million neonatal deaths annually, accounting for approximately 66% of global infant mortality. Over 90% of all neonatal deaths occur in developing countries, almost half occurring in the first 24 hours of life and are thus closely linked to maternal health status and healthcare. Community-based data are often lacking, but the major causes of neonatal death are infections, asphyxia and prematurity. Policy Implications: Addressing neonatal health is pivotal to further child survival progress. Adverse neonatal outcomes have multiple causes, but improvement in maternal health status and services is crucial.
Learning Objectives: At the end of the session the participant will be able to: 1. recognize the increasing epidemiological significance of neonatal health 2. apply this knowledge to prioritization of international health programs addressing maternal and child health
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: CARE, CDC and CCHI
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Grant from CCHI