WHO welcomes landmark UN declaration on universal health coverage

World Health Organization (WHO) HNN Team

This article was originally published by WHO here. Today world leaders adopted a high-level United Nations Political Declaration on universal health coverage (UHC), the most comprehensive set of health commitments ever adopted at this level. “This declaration represents a landmark for global health and development,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General at WHO. “The world … Continued

Malawi study confirms lasting impact of life-saving technology

Rice University Malawi HNN Team

This article was originally published by Rice University here. By Jade Boyd Malawi’s national adoption of affordable, rugged, neonatal CPAP technology as a part of routine hospital care resulted in sustained improvements in the survival of babies with respiratory illness, according to a new study in the journal Pediatrics. Malawi, in southeast Africa, has the … Continued

More women and children survive today than ever before

HNN Team

This article was originally published by UNICEF here. More women and their children are surviving today than ever before, according to new child and maternal mortality estimates released today by United Nations groups led by UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO). Since 2000, child deaths have reduced by nearly half and maternal deaths by … Continued

Surviving birth: Every 11 seconds, a pregnant woman or newborn dies somewhere around the world

UNICEF HNN Team

This article was originally published by UNICEF here. An estimated 2.8 million pregnant women and newborns die every year, or 1 every 11 seconds, mostly of preventable causes, according to new mortality estimates released by UNICEF, the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations Population Division, UNFPA and the World Bank Group. For mothers and … Continued

29 million babies born into conflict in 2018

UNICEF HNN Team

This article was originally published by UNICEF here. More than 29 million babies were born into conflict-affected areas in 2018, UNICEF said today. Armed violence across countries including Afghanistan, Somalia, South Sudan, Syria and Yemen meant that, throughout last year, more than 1 in 5 babies globally spent their earliest moments in communities affected by … Continued

Joy after a frightening preterm delivery in Liberia

UNFPA Liberia HNN Team

This article was originally published by UNFPA here. Out of nine pregnancies, Anna Bondo had suffered seven stillbirths, each one a crushing heartbreak. Every loss came as a result of premature labour, the 43-year-old told UNFPA. Last month, pregnant for the tenth time, Ms. Bondo once again went into an early labour. She immediately feared … Continued

100 mothers benefit from safe delivery initiative in city slum

Standard Media (Kenya) Kenya HNN Team

This article was originally published by Standard Media (Kenya) here. By Diana Kimanzi Caroline Gatakaa, who recently delivered a baby boy at Lengo Medical Clinic in Mukuru Kayaba slum in Nairobi, is one of the 100 mothers who received maternal care packages donated by Toto Care Box. “I am humbled to be among the women who … Continued

Nigeria: Health minister, Delta Governor say rising rates of maternal, infant mortality unacceptable

The Guardian (Nigeria) Nigeria HNN Team

This article was originally published in The Guardian (Nigeria) here. The Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire, and Delta Governor Ifeanyi Okowa on Thursday decried the “rising and unprecedented” rates of maternal and infant mortality in the country, and declared that the trend was “simply unacceptable”. The duo spoke at the opening ceremony of the … Continued

Tanzania: Digital health reduces maternal, infant mortality rates in Geita

IPP Media (Tanzania) Tanzania, United Republic of HNN Team

This article was originally published by IPP Media (Tanzania) here. By Felister Peter The use of digital health system in Lake Zone’s Geita region is posed to immensely contribute into reduction of neonatal and maternal mortality, thanks to USAID BoreshaAfya project for increased access to health services, information and improved patient connectivity with skilled health … Continued

Reforms needed to achieve universal health coverage in Africa

The East African HNN Team

This article was originally published in The East African here. By Evelyn Lirri Achieving Universal Health Coverage remains a challenge and many countries in Africa may not meet the 2030 goals unless targeted reforms and policy shifts are undertaken, experts have warned. As part of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, member countries agreed to … Continued