Neonatal Interventions & Mortality in a Ugandan Hospital

What is it about?

Even though there have been some improvements in the care offered for newborn babies, infant death rates in poor countries, like Uganda, are quite high. To reduce the number of deaths, hospitals need to provide both basic and advanced care. But only few local hospitals in Uganda can afford to do so, because of the high financial cost. So, the authors of this study tested two levels of affordable infant care in a hospital in Uganda over a period of 11 years. They studied the impact of special and critical care measures on the overall and illness specific infant deaths. For the latter, they focused mainly on preterm babies and babies with infections or low oxygen in their bodies.

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Photo by Patricia Prudente on Unsplash

Photo by Patricia Prudente on Unsplash

Why is it important?

To lower infant deaths in poor countries, like Uganda, we need better healthcare for babies at birth and special care for those born premature or sick. This study used heat bulbs for warmth, bCPAP for oxygen, light therapy for jaundice, breast milk for preterm babies, safe antibiotics, and infection control. They also made a special ward with trained staff for these babies. This care helped reduce overall deaths and those linked to prematurity and lack of oxygen. But, more babies died from infections, suggesting that hospitals need to focus more on infection control. Still, using good quality and low-cost infant care can save lives, even where resources are limited. KEY TAKEAWAY: Special infant care measures, with a focus on better infection control, can help reduce deaths in preterm and sick babies. This research relates to the following Sustainable Development Goals: • SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being • SDG 1: No Poverty • SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities • SDG 2: Zero Hunger • SDG 5: Gender Equality