Highlights from the 2nd Uganda Maternal – Newborn Symposium

Makerere University Centre of Excellence for Maternal Newborn Health Research Uganda

Giving birth in Guinea: a life or death lottery bereft of midwives and medicine

The Guardian Guinea HNN Team

A baby was born, took one breath, then left the world again. No amount of the midwife pumping his legs up to his ribcage and back, or poking a finger hard and fast at his chest, would bring him back. His 17-year-old mother lay in pain on the delivery table as her son was wrapped … Continued

Vietnamese neonatal nurse wins int’l award

Thanh Nien News Vietnam HNN Team

Vietnamese nurse Nguyen Thi Minh Hong has been named the winner of the International Neonatal Nursing Excellence Awards 2016 for her dedication to mothers and babies in one of Vietnam’s poorest areas over the past three decades. Hong was honored at the Ninth International Conference of International Neonatal Nurses (COINN) in Canada on August 15. She and … Continued

Twelve Innovators Get Funding from Saving Lives at Birth

HNN Team

International Partnership Invests $3.4 Million to Accelerate Innovations that Prevent Maternal, Newborn Deaths and Stillbirth in the Hardest to Reach Regions of the World WASHINGTON, DC – After fierce competition, 12 of the world’s most promising ideas to save lives at birth in developing countries have edged out nearly 650 other applicants, securing millions in … Continued

Strength of a Woman: Christine Maweu

Kenya Citizen TV Kenya HNN Team

Most newborn deaths are preventable, yet Kenya currently has few nurses who are specifically trained in nursing of sick newborns in health facilities. Rural areas are particularly challenged with lack of equipment and personnel, and in such areas committed and passionate professionals are key in reducing infant mortality. In Kitui district hospital, a humble nurse has … Continued

“Clinical Appeal” Creates New Appeal in Bangladesh Rural Health

bdnews24.com Bangladesh HNN Team

Not many women give birth at hospitals in Bangladesh, with only four in every 10 women delivering with the help of skilled hands. Postnatal care is also rare. But Suchitra Sutradhar is one of those few who, despite living in a remote village, gave birth at a facility and keeps coming to that centre for … Continued

Study shows new method to test premature babies

Daily Monitor Uganda

In the absence of weighing scales, measuring the size of a baby’s foot using the foot length card and danger sign screening cards can help identify if a baby is premature or has low birth weight, a new study has shown.

Community engagement key to maternal and neonatal health – study

New Vision Uganda

Findings from a four-year study (2012-2015) conducted by Makerere School of Public Health in Eastern Uganda have revealed a significant correlation between maternal health and community participation.

Three births

Financial Times India, Mexico, Congo HNN Team

The day a baby is born in the developing world will be the most dangerous of its life — and can be just as perilous for its mother. Amy Kazmin, Jude Webber and Andrew Jack, FT reporters on three continents, follow the fates of three women and their babies.

Call to action to improve the health of women, children and adolescents worldwide

The 15 papers, co-authored by WHO, outline the current evidence, identify successes as well as critical gaps in progress, and highlight key priorities to end preventable deaths and build resilient and prosperous societies.