Neonatal mortality

Nature

Infant mortality is a composite index which includes deaths of infants 0-1 weeks of age, namely neonates, and those of infants 7 days to 12 months of age. The causes of death in these two periods are characteristic and call for different modes of intervention. A new born baby is termed a neonate only if it shows life immediately after birth, otherwise it is termed a still-birth. In the neonatal period, deaths may be due to antenatal and birth causes. The single most important cause of neonatal deaths is prematurity and its related problems, followed closely by birth trauma, maternal diseases during pregnancy, congenital abnormalities (particularly neural tube and cardiac defects) and infections.

Incidence

At levels of infant mortality in excess of 100 per 1000, about one third of the deaths occur in the neonatal period. At lower levels of infant mortality, neonatal deaths become very important and may account for 70% of infant deaths. The former is the situation in developing countries like Kenya, and the latter is the case in industrialized countries.

Claim

Neonatal mortality is an urgent crisis that demands our immediate attention. Every day, countless newborns lose their lives due to preventable causes, reflecting a profound failure in our healthcare systems. This tragedy not only devastates families but also stunts societal progress. We must prioritize comprehensive maternal and neonatal care, invest in education, and ensure access to essential resources. Ignoring this issue is unacceptable; every newborn deserves a fighting chance at life. Let’s act now!

Counter-claim

Neonatal mortality is often overstated as a critical issue, diverting attention from more pressing global challenges. With advancements in healthcare and technology, the focus should shift to broader societal problems like poverty and education. The relatively low numbers of neonatal deaths in many regions suggest that this issue is being managed effectively. Instead of fixating on neonatal mortality, we should prioritize initiatives that address systemic issues affecting larger populations.