Kenya hopes its first human milk bank will save infants’ lives

Quartz Africa Kenya HNN Team

This article was originally published by Quartz Africa here. By Annabelle Timsit Every morning at Pumwani Maternity Hospital in Nairobi, a group of new mothers files into a spacious room housing Kenya’s first human milk bank. The room, freshly-painted aqua blue and bustling with nurses, is lined on either side with private lactation booths separated … Continued

Kangaroo Mother Care Awareness Campaign

Lenasia Rising Sun South Africa HNN Team

This article was originally published by Lenasia Rising Sun here. Aiming to reduce the new-born mortality rate caused by winter conditions, the Johannesburg Health District will embark on a Kangaroo Mother Care Awareness Campaign to emphasise the benefits of keeping newborn babies warm. Kangaroo Mother Care, or, skin-to-skin care, is a simple, easy method of … 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

Birth defects registries expanding in Latin America

PAHO/WHO HNN Team

This article was originally published by PAHO here. Twelve Latin American countries already monitor children who are born with congenital birth defects in order to better understand why and how often they occur, and how the survival and quality of life of these children can be improved. Birth defects are the second leading cause of … Continued

Reinvigorated Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative Helps Promote Exclusive Breastfeeding in Malawi

Health Policy Plus Malawi HNN Team

This article was originally published by Health Policy Plus (HP+) here. The Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI), led by WHO and UNICEF, aims to give newborns the best start in life by promoting exclusive breastfeeding from birth to six months. In Malawi, great strides were made after the initiative was first introduced in the country, with … Continued

Breastfeeding: Despite progress, only three African nations expected to meet global goal

Medical Xpress HNN Team

This article was originally published on Medical Xpress here. Only three African countries are expected to meet the global target for exclusive breastfeeding, “an unparalleled source of nutrition for newborns and infants, no matter where they are born,” according to a global health expert. The three nations, Guinea-Bissau, Rwanda, and São Tomé and Príncipe, are … Continued

Inside the Ebola treatment centres of Congo, where survivors bring hope to those on the edge of death

The Telegraph Democratic Republic of the Congo HNN Team

This article was originally published in The Telegraph (UK) here. For a patient diagnosed with perhaps the world’s most chilling disease, Congo’s Ebola treatment centres are a terrifying place to be. From the moment their blood tests positive, victims are placed in hermetically sealed bio-secure units. As they teeter between life and death, almost the … Continued

UNICEF urges ‘transformative shift’ in family-friendly work policies to reap ‘huge’ benefits

UN News HNN Team

This article was originally published on UN News here. “There is no other time more critical to children’s lives than their earliest years”, said Henrietta Fore, UNICEF Executive Director, “which is why we need a transformative shift in how businesses and governments invest in policies and practices that not only support healthy brain development, but … Continued

Maldives eliminates mother-to-child transmission of HIV, Syphilis

WHO Regional Office for South-East Asia HNN Team

This article was originally published on WHO Regional Office for South-East Asia’s website here. Maldives has eliminated mother-to-child transmission of HIV and syphilis, joining first few countries in the world to ensure a generation free of these deadly diseases, World Health Organization said today. “This commendable achievement has been made possible by strong political commitment, … Continued

Australian funding means improved maternal and newborn care will benefit 10,800 mothers and their newborn babies in Milne Bay Province, PNG

UNICEF Australia Papua New Guinea HNN Team

This article was originally published on UNICEF Australia’s website here. A maternal and newborn care programme launched today in Alotau, Papua New Guinea, will ensure up to 10,800 newborns and their mothers receive a comprehensive package of care to ensure they survive and thrive over the next three years in Milne Bay Province. The programme, … Continued