WHO urges quality care for women and newborns in critical first weeks after childbirth (WHO)

WHO HNN Team

This article was published by WHO. New recommendations stress urgency of both physical and mental health support in postnatal period GENEVA, 30th March 2022 The World Health Organization (WHO) today launched its first ever global guidelines to support women and newborns in the postnatal period – the first six weeks after birth. This is a … Continued

New Project Aims to Increase First-Time Parents’ Access to Family Planning in Bangladesh and Tanzania

GW Public Health Bangladesh, Tanzania, United Republic of HNN Team

Every year, over 13 million girls aged 15 to 19 give birth in low- and middle-income countries, according to the Guttmacher Institute. Many of these young mothers are married and first-time parents, and are often under family and community pressure to have a second child quickly. Young mothers who have a second child very rapidly … Continued

Nothing for young people, without young people: Making family planning access youth-centered

The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation HNN Team

This article was originally published by The Optimist By Nomi Fuchs-Montgomery How does the foundation think about its family planning strategy when it comes to young people? We know that the largest generation of young people in history are currently experiencing their reproductive years—1.2 billion people. If given every opportunity to succeed, their energy and … Continued

India newborn girl found in shallow grave ‘fighting for life’

BBC News India HNN Team

This story was originally published by BBC News A newborn baby discovered buried alive in a clay pot in northern India is fighting for her life, her doctor says. She remains in a “critical” condition, suffering from septicemia and a dangerously low platelet count, pediatrician Ravi Khanna said. “There are chances of her survival, but … Continued

Why is it difficult to interview young fathers about fatherhood, and why is it important that we keep trying?

Young Lives Peru, Ethiopia, Zambia, India HNN Team

This article was originally published by Young Lives Many researchers hesitate to share difficulties experienced in fieldwork in case the credibility of field teams or of the research findings is called into question. I believe that sharing our experiences will contribute to better research, and therefore benefit all those involved and invested in the research. … Continued

Hundreds of heavily pregnant Venezuelan women seek treatment at Save the Children Colombian border clinic

Save the Children Colombia HNN Team

This content was originally published on Save the Children’s website here. BOGOTA, COLOMBIA – hundreds of at-risk heavily pregnant Venezuelan women have sought treatment at Save the Children’s Emergency Health Unit clinic on the Colombia border. Since opening at the start of April, 792 Venezuelan women have travelled to the clinic to receive pre and … Continued

In world’s worst humanitarian crisis, the miracle of a safe birth

UNFPA Yemen HNN Team

JARDAN, Yemen – Over a million pregnant women and new mothers require urgent aid in Yemen, the site of the world’s worst humanitarian crisis. Mohsina was one of these women when she went into labour at the end of a complicated and painful pregnancy. Luckily, her story had a happy – and surprise – ending. … Continued

Experts call for intensified efforts to reduce maternal, newborn deaths

Outlook India India HNN Team

New Delhi, Jan 21 Experts have called for strengthening sexual and reproductive health services in member countries of WHO South-East Asia region, to reduce deaths of mothers and babies, which continues to be at “unacceptable levels”. “Though millions of lives are now being saved due to efforts in recent years, it is unacceptable that mothers … Continued

‘We have a shower for pain relief’: can Haiti’s young midwives save a new generation?

The Guardian Haiti HNN Team

Sylvie Delice was born on a hot, slow March afternoon in a clinic in Marigot, a coastal town in south Haiti. The labour was seven hours; her mother, Natalie, 24, a seamstress, was stoic throughout, helped by two midwives in pale pink scrubs. Sylvie arrived strong and healthy, and was named after her mother’s cousin. … Continued

‘No woman has died here while having a baby and that is a big achievement’

Irish Times HNN Team

Baby Matin is less than five hours old when we meet. Matin’s mother Maran gingerly lifts her baby, swaddled in bundles of soft blankets, from the cot to show her to the group of well-wishers gathered by the end of the bed. The 27-year-old already has three sons – two were born in the sprawling … Continued