Severe bacterial infections are a major cause of morbidity and mortality among newborns and young infants in the developing world.
Recent analyses estimate that globally, 717,000 newborns die as a result of severe infections, accounting for nearly one-third of the total burden of newborn deaths,1 and a significant proportion of stillbirths are due to infectious causes.
Most of these deaths could be averted through simple preventive measures, such as improving hygiene and ensuring that curative care is available to sick newborns.
Prevention
Preventive measures during the antenatal and intra-partum periods can reduce the risk of congenital and newborn infections, while also protecting the health of the mother.
Identification and Treatment
Timely identification and treatment of newborn infection is critical. Although most infections develop at home, the current standard of treatment requires in-patient care. Identifying severe infection and initiating appropriate antibiotic treatment early can dramatically increase a newborn’s chance of survival.