WASH as a Key Intervention to Enhance Newborn Health

Newborns account for 44 percent of the 18,000 children under five dying each day. While the exact percentage of newborn deaths caused by inadequate water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) has not been studied, it is certainly a significant factor. Globally, lack of access to WASH is responsible for at least 20 percent of all child deaths. WASH is a proven intervention with significant lifesaving potential and a critical component to achieving Millennium Development Goal 4. This document outlines WASH and newborn health linkages and solutions.