Asian countries still embattled with high Infant mortality

Neonatal deaths, that is, the death of infants within 28 days of life, is a problem that occurs around the globe. The World Health Organisation (WHO) reports 4 million neonatal deaths occur every year. However, despite being a global problem, the risk of neonatal deaths is especially high in Southeast Asia.

Southeast Asian countries such as Brunei, Malaysia and Singapore have managed to keep the numbers of neonatal deaths to below ten per 1000 live births – a feat, which experts attribute to intervention and focus during a baby’s early days.

However, for other countries in the region, neonatal deaths remain a huge problem. For example, Myanmar, Cambodia and Laos see 50-70 neonatal deaths per 1000 births (see chart below).

Causes of infant deaths

There are numerous causes of neonatal deaths, and this include: preterm birth (28%), severe infections (36%, including sepsis/pneumonia [26%], tetanus [7%], and diarrhoea [3%]), and complications of asphyxia (23%). Of the remaining 14%, 7% of deaths were related to congenital abnormalities.

Why is it a concern?

The eradication of neonatal deaths is number 4 in the Millennium Development Goal (MDG), which is a set of eight goals created by the United Nations for countries to aspire towards.

What can be done to eradicate neonatal deaths?

According to a study published in the health journal The Lancet in 2011, successful ways to reduce neonatal deaths include:

• Linking the issue of neonatal deaths tow a wider range of strategies such as maternal and child health intervention and;
• To target rural and disadvantaged populations;
• Greater cooperation between Asian countries to reduce neonatal deaths.

Some more facts about neonatal deaths

• Three-quarters of neonatal deaths occur in the first week;
• More than one-quarter occur in the first 24 hours;
• Neonatal deaths account for 40% of deaths under the age of 5 years worldwide

*Statistics: 2008, Cecilia Acquin et al. Maternal, neonatal, and child health in Southeast Asia: towards greater regional collaboration, The Lancet, 2011.

Category: Health alert, Top Story