"Celebration of National Newborn week in Urban, Remote & Periphery is no lesser than a Bonanza for current & comming years"

(National Newborn Week 15 - 21 November 2021) (Theme: Ensuring Safety, quality and nurturing care - birth right of every newborn) 

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Every year Celebration of National  Newborn Week between  15 November to 21 November plays a greatest role in Health sector for building the future generations. It grossly reminds us about the Indicators which is a big concern for  the newborn population. The Indicators which are NMR ( Neonatal mortality rate) and SBR ( Still birth rate) per 1000 live births are increasing currently. Increase in the mortality of  newborn population means increasing the value of indicators. Which leads to the decrease in newborn population in general and vice  versa. To Counter all these problems awareness and measures to acknowledge about the benifits of newborn week is a basic tool to get the indicator values down gradually. The above indicators should be taken into account for a serious note and all the supportive care and management should be brought into an account of how a progressive goal will reach to a conclusion of success at the present and in comming target years. The aim for celebrating this week is to raise awareness about the importance of the newborn care for child survival, development and livelihood. 

The neonatal period (first 28 days of life) is the most  crucial and alarming period for child survival as this period carries the highest risk of deaths per day than any other period during the childhood. The first month of life is also a foundational period for lifelong health and development. Healthy ones grow into healthy adults who can thrive and contribute to their communities and societies.

      

Main causes of newborn death

1. Prematurity

2.Complications during birth

3.Severe infections

4. Causes of newborn deaths in India

The major causes of newborn deaths in India are pre-maturity/preterm (35%), neonatal infections (33%),intra-partum related complications/ birth asphyxia (20%),and congenital malformations (9%).

Points of Newborns Care Includes:

A. Immediate and thorough drying,

B. Skin to skin contact of the newborn with the mother, Head Covering and Delayed bathing ( to prevent hypothermia). 

C. Cord clamping and cutting after the first minutes after birth, 

D. Newborns who do not start breathing on their own by one minute after birth should receive positive pressure ventilation with room air by a self-inflating bag and mask.

E. After the first hour of life, newborns should receive eye care, vitamin K, and recommended immunizations (birth dose of OPV and Hepatitis B vaccine, BCG). 

F. By keeping proper Hygiene to prevent infection (Handwash with Soap) before touching newborns skin surface. 

G. Early initiation of breastfeeding within an hour . The most possible and best approach to feed a newborn is to feed with  mothers milk on delivery table ( Maximum Ejection  of milk /Colostrum: the first stage of breast milk) and exclusive breastfeeding thereafter till 6 months. Maximum 8 hours within 24 hours. That means  2 hourly routine atleast for 20 minutes. 

H. .Atleast Six Visits of Asha worker  till 42 days 

I. Strictly rejecting use of  artificially produced milk products and milk powders from markets for baby use. As Mothers milk is the best milk for a baby. 

J. Starting of Semi - Solid foods and fluids after Six months by Katoori method (Bowl & Spoon)

K. Continuation of routine Immunizations  as per Scheduled Immunization Card till 16 yrs of growing age from time to time. 

Assessment of diseases:

They should be assessed for birth weight, gestational age, congenital defects and signs of newborn illness. Special care should be provided for sick newborns, those who are preterm and/or low birth weight, and those who are exposed or infected by HIV or have congenital syphilis.

India Newborn Action Plan (INAP):

INAP was launched in September 2014,  for accelerating the reduction of preventable newborn deaths and stillbirths in the country - with the goal of attaining ‘Single Digit Neo-natal Mortality Rate (NMR) by 2030’ and ‘Single Digit Still Birth Rate (SBR) by 2030’. Currently, there are estimated 7.47 lakh neonatal deaths annually.The neo-natal deaths are expected to reduce to below 2.28 lakh annually by 2030, once the goal is achieved.

The India Newborn Action Plan (INAP) is India’s committed response to the Global Every Newborn Action Plan (ENAP), launched in June 2014 at the 67th World Health Assembly, to advance the Global Strategy for Women’s and Children’s Health.

Goals: 

1. Ending Preventable Newborn Deaths to achieve “Single Digit NMR” by 2030, with all the states to individually achieve this target by 2035.

2. Ending Preventable Stillbirths to achieve “Single Digit SBR” by 2030, with all the states to individually achieve this target by 2035

INAP Targets: 

Source:  All graphics are Statistical Reports , MoHFW India 

Conclusion: 

Newborn care very important and describes us a Vision for Newborn living. All newborns require essential newborn care to minimize the risk of illness and maximize their growth and development.

Warmth and Kangaroo mother Care from mother at facility , normal breathing,mother's milk, and prevention of infection are the basic needs of normal baby at birth. These basic needs indicate that a baby's survival is totally dependent upon her mother and other care givers. Therefore it is important to provide proper care to all the neonates immediately after birth. This care will also prevent many newborn emergencies. 

By: Dr. Rahi Shoaib , MD

[Medical Officer in J&K Health & Med Edu ]

(Serving Ayushman Bharat HWC  in Periphery 

in Distt Poonch J&K UT, India) 

Email: drrahism@gmail.com

Twitter: @MOJKHME