OK after reading the Top 10 for maternal health, I am hooked. Here is the summary of the WHO’s fantastic glimpse into children’s health:
1. The first month is the most dangerous. “Preterm birth, birth asphyxia and infections cause most newborn deaths.” After one month – until 5 years – the primary causes of death are: pneumonia, diarrhoea, and malaria.
2. 3 million babies die per year in the first month. Prenatal care, birth attendants and postnantal attention to: “breathing and warmth, hygienic cord and skin care, and exclusive breastfeeding”.
3. Pneumonia is the leading killer of under-5s.
4. “Exclusive breastfeeding helps prevent diarrhoea (leading killer of young children) among young children.”
5. Malaria is a leading killer in Africa but nets can prevent the spread.
6. HIV+ mothers can prevent transmission to their babies by: “use of antiretrovirals, as well as safer delivery and feeding practices”.
7. Breast is best: “Optimal breastfeeding and complementary feeding help prevent malnutrition and can save about a million children.”
8. “Three-quarters of child deaths occur in Africa and South-East Asia.”
9. 2/3rd of child deaths can be prevented by:” low-cost interventions, and effective primary care up to five years of age.”
10. Greater investment is needed.
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