Newborn baby deaths in Africa targeted in $68M initiative

Eurekalert Kenya, Tanzania, United Republic of, Malawi, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Ghana, Uganda HNN Team

This story was originally published by EurekAlert citing Rice University. Hundreds of thousands of babies could be saved through a major global health initiative launched here today to improve newborn hospital care throughout sub-Saharan Africa. Almost half of childhood deaths occur in the first four weeks of life, and newborns in sub-Saharan Africa are nearly … Continued

Mothers survive Ebola while pregnant against the odds in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

WHO Democratic Republic of the Congo HNN Team

This article was originally published by the World Health Organization Regional Office for Africa here. “I put my feet on the ground and wiggled my toes. It felt strange to touch the ground for the first time in weeks. Slowly, I stood up, holding the hand of the nurse. I held my swollen belly and … Continued

Why Kenyan women and their babies are still dying at childbirth

Daily Nation (Kenya) Kenya HNN Team

This article was originally published by Daily Nation (Kenya) here. By Dorothy Otieno Medical care for new mothers and their babies is in a sorry state, with doctors, nurses and clinical officers routinely ignoring clinical guidelines and lacking skills to treat and manage complications, reveals a NationNewsplex investigation. Lack of essential drugs and limited access … 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

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

Ministry of Health of Rwanda, Society for Family Health Rwanda and Abbott Launch Pioneering Model of Primary Health Care Service Delivery

PR Newswire Rwanda HNN Team

This article was originally published by PR Newswire here. New initiative will provide vital primary care services within a 30-minute walk of all Rwandans’ homes. Health post workers will test and treat pregnant women for multiple infectious diseases that can have serious health consequences for both mothers and newborns if not diagnosed and treated early. … Continued