The New Nation - Internet Edition

Speakers at an international conference held in the capital the other day underscored the need for setting a target to bring down mortality rates of neonates in line with the Millennium Development Goals. Though Bangladesh has succeeded in cutting down under-five child mortality rate by half, around 120,000 deaths of newborn babies occur in the country per annum. There were 108,900 cases of deaths at birth due alone to asphyxia (gasping and no breathing) in 2007.

Experts identified sepsis, infection, asphyxia and low birth weight as major causes of neonatal deaths. Sepsis is liable for the 62 percent of deaths of the newborn. The neonatal mortality rates could drastically be cut down if efforts are made to ensure adequate treatment of the infants and mothers. The poorer sections of them also need to be provided with necessary nutritional support. Another major cause of newborn deaths is lack of trained and skilled birth attendants and nurses. Services of the trained persons must be made available at homes where reportedly 85 percent birth takes place. Breastfeeding can save lives of large number of infants. Family awareness about care of mothers and newborn babies is pivotal in keeping deaths minimum. It has been mentioned earlier that Bangladesh has halved its under-five child mortality through massive immunisation programme. So, reduction of neonatal deaths is not something unachievable.

To achieve this goal, the government must set well-defined goals achievable in phases. Such a target is expected to help attain the MDGs of reducing child mortality within the stipulated timeframe of 2015. It is hoped that the government will immediately chalk out an appropriate programme, which needs to be adhered to by all successive governments. Priority of such a goal must, therefore, remain unchanged till the target is reached.

Ariful Huq

Dhaka