Control & Prevention of Newborn Diseases: Here's How
Newborns, particularly those born preterm or with a low birth weight, are vulnerable to infections that are present before, during, and after delivery. These illnesses are responsible for approximately a fifth of all neonatal mortality worldwide.
To address this, the MCSP infection and infant sepsis management programme emphasized measures for reducing the risk of infection during labor and delivery. Handwashing by delivery attendants, disinfection and sterilization of equipment, minimizing vaginal exams, and early identification and treatment of protracted labor were all a part of this. Early and exclusive breastfeeding, clean cord care (including umbilical chlorhexidine treatments), improved mother health and nutrition, maternal and neonatal vaccinations, and antibiotic prophylaxis are all recommended for infection prevention.
Because unwell babies typically appear with non-specific signs and symptoms, and blood cultures, diagnosing neonatal infection has remained difficult. Only 5-10% of suspected sepsis cases have a positive test when one is available. As a result, when a major illness is detected, it is a common practice to treat neonates with antibiotics.
In rural and developing nation settings, strengthening community-based ability to provide these therapies safely and effectively is a top goal. In Africa and Asia, studies show that a streamlined mix of injectable and oral antibiotic regimens is just as effective as traditional injectable regimens.
The World Health Organization (WHO) developed a recommendation in 2015 for the care of Possible Serious Bacterial Infection when referral is not practicable or possible, based on a vast body of data.
MCSP collaborated with interested country programmes to use existing Integrated Care of Childhood Illness programmes to adopt streamlined antibiotic regimens for neonatal sepsis management, therefore contributing to implementation science at both the national and global levels.
WHAT SHOULD PARENTS DO ABOUT IT?
While there’s no stopping children getting sick at times, lots of illnesses can be warded off. Here are some things you can do to keep your child healthy:
1. Get child immunisations
Newborns have some immunity owing to antibodies sent down through the placenta from the mother during the last three months of pregnancy (known as passive immunity). The bad news is that it is just temporary. In reality, within the first several weeks or months, passive immunity begins to wane. This is why your vaccinating your child against various illnesses is crucial.
2. Observe good hygiene
You might have been fairly good at it before, but having a baby doubles the amount of hand-washing you have to do. You and your child will need to wash your hands regularly.
Instead of making a symbolic shove-under-the-tap motion, follow the NHS advice for how to do it properly, especially after your baby eats. Carry an alcohol-based hand rub in your changing bag when you’re on the go to keep your and your baby’s hands clean.
3. Avoid people who are ill when you have a newborn
It’s totally acceptable to cancel plans with people who are sick when you have a tiny baby, especially if they were born prematurely. Newborns are much more susceptible to getting ill as their immune systems aren’t fully developed yet, so a polite ‘we’ll leave it until you’re better thanks’ is fine and ensures the safety of your baby.
At regular intervals, infants and toddlers see medical care professionals to have their growth and development tracked, vaccines administered, hearing and vision examined, and any concerns addressed. According to UNICEF, vaccine-preventable illnesses kill 1.4 million children under the age of five. Immunizations against a range of avoidable infectious illnesses are offered in doctors’ offices and health centers across the world. Find assistance of a reliable medical professional to help you through the process!
