Photo of a health worker providing umbilical cord care to a newborn while the mother watches.

Retiring the Chlorhexidine Issue Page: An Update from the HNN Editorial Team

When studies showing the efficacy of chlorhexidine digluconate (CHX), a broad spectrum antibiotic gel routinely placed on the umbilical cord to prevent infections, on reducing neonatal mortality were first released in the early 2000s, it was quickly adopted by the public health community as a “game-changer” for newborn health. Donors,...

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Bangladesh’s experience of Chlorhexidine utilized through a dropper bottle

The Bangladesh Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MOHFW) implemented a policy in 2014 that supported universal cleaning of the umbilical cord stump at the time of delivery using chlorhexidine digluconate (CHX), a broad spectrum antiseptic. Prior to introduction of this policy, the recommendation from the MOHFW was to keep...

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Kyogero and newborn care in Central Uganda: friend or foe?

Kyogero is a popular herbal mixture commonly used in central Uganda used to bath newborns. It is composed of various herbs that are believed to; smoothen the baby’s skin, give blessings to the newborn, immunize the baby against both physical and spiritual diseases, and to improve the child’s intellect. It...

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