Alarm over pre-term births rise

Mediamax Kenya HNN Admin

The national rate of pre-term births has gone up from 7.2 per cent to 9.5 per cent in the last five years, health experts have said. The disturbing scenario, which is raising concerns in the health circles, is further aggravated by the fact that Kenya is among top 15 countries with the highest rate of … Continued

Strength of a Woman: Christine Maweu

Kenya Citizen TV Kenya

Most newborn deaths are preventable, yet Kenya currently has few nurses who are specifically trained in nursing of sick newborns in health facilities. Rural areas are particularly challenged with lack of equipment and personnel, and in such areas committed and passionate professionals are key in reducing infant mortality. In Kitui district hospital, a humble nurse has … Continued

‘Tale of Two Cities’ Widens Worldwide for Children, Study Shows

Nigeria, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Haiti, India, Madagascar, Mali, Niger, Peru, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Central African Republic, Kenya, Vietnam, United States of America

In two-thirds of the 36 developing countries among the 179 nations surveyed, the poorest urban children are at least twice as likely to die as their wealthier counterparts, according to the report.

Oral Antibiotics Are Found to Save More Infant Lives

Nigeria, Bangladesh, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Pakistan, Kenya

“These results should provide a sound basis for policy makers and experts to now empower and train staff at first-level outpatient units and to ensure proper drugs and equipment are available,” said Dr. Steve Wall, an adviser to Save the Children.

Simplified Antibiotic Treatment Strategy Could Save Thousands of Babies

Nigeria, Bangladesh, Democratic Republic of the Congo, India, Kenya

Now, new, more accessible drug regimens – combining oral and injectable antibiotics – given in outpatient settings appear to be just as effective as hospital care.

Oral antibiotics showed similar efficacy, safety to injectable antibiotics for bacterial infections

Nigeria, Bangladesh, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya

To compare efficacy of oral amoxicillin vs. injectable procaine benzylpenicillin-gentamicin for treatment of fast breathing, researchers randomized 2,333 infants with fast breathing as the only sign of possible serious bacterial infection to receive either treatment for 7 days.

WHO called to change infant infection guidelines

Nigeria, Bangladesh, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya

In disadvantaged areas, many children never reach hospital and around 60% of parents refuse hospital treatment for young infants or are unwilling to adhere to treatment regimens of injectable antibiotics.

Kenya’s First Lady explains why Beyond Zero

Kenya

First Lady Margaret Kenyatta’s motivation in her Beyond Zero campaign is to ensure that no woman or child will die due to lack of maternal services.

Kenya: The Aga Khan University Hospital Marks ‘7 Years’ Of Preemie Care

Kenya

Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi is home to the first and only Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in the East and Central African region.

India leads in preterm birth complication deaths: Study

Ethiopia, Nigeria, Angola, Bangladesh, China, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Indonesia, Liberia, Pakistan, Sierra Leone, Kenya

“We have an epidemic of preterm and newborn deaths that represents one of the greatest health challenges of the 21st century. Two-thirds of these deaths could be prevented without intensive care,” said Francisco.