Every human life is precious, and the life of the Nigerian child is no less so.
Yet, according to the State of the World’s Mothers 2013 report released this week, no fewer than 89,700 day-old babies still die in Nigeria yearly.
The report by Save the Children International, which was launched around the world, ranked Nigeria 169th out of the 176 countries in the report, and among the 10 worst countries to be a pregnant woman or a child.
Furthermore, the report put the rate of death on the first day at 14 per 1,000 live births, which is higher than the sub-Saharan average of 12 per 1,000, stating, “Nigeria has the 12th highest rate of first-day deaths in the world, making it one of the riskier places to be born, as well as one of the countries with the most first-day deaths.”
Infant mortality is the death of a child less than one year of age. Ninety-nine percent of these deaths occur in developing nations like Nigeria, where infant mortality takes away society’s potential physical, social, and human capital.
Fortunately, infant mortality is preventable, if only we will, together as a people, take the future of our children more seriously. How can infant mortality be prevented?
1. Fighting Diarrhoea: The number one cause of infant mortality worldwide has been dehydration from diarrhoea. Diarrhoea is a preventable disease, and although factors such as the mother’s level of education, environmental conditions, and political and medical infrastructure contribute to infant mortality, Nigeria has made considerable effort towards putting programmes in place to decrease the rate of children dying from diarrhoea-related causes.
In Lagos for instance, many Public Health Centres (PHCs) and Maternal & Child Care Centres (MCCs) offer lessons to mothers on the preparation of the simple Oral Rehydration Solution made using salt, sugar and water. Also, improving access to clean drinking water is a giant step to eliminating diarrhoea and reducing infant mortality.
2. Educating Mothers: Reductions in infant mortality are possible in any stage of a country’s development. In fact, advancement in human knowledge is determined by mortality rate reductions. Governments can reduce the mortality rates by addressing the combined need for education, alongside nutrition, and access to basic maternal and infant health services.
3. Encouraging Healthy Pregnancy: Maternal Mortality and Infant Mortality are closely linked, and future problems for mothers and babies can be prevented. For instance, attending regular antenatal care check-ups will help improve the baby’s chances of being delivered in safer conditions and surviving.
It is important that women of reproductive age adopt healthy behaviours in everyday life. Also, taking folic acid before and during pregnancy, maintaining a healthy diet and weight, regular exercise, quitting tobacco and alcohol can prevent complications and help decrease infant mortality rates.
By advising patients about factors that affect birth outcomes, such as maternal smoking, drug and alcohol abuse, poor nutrition, stress, insufficient prenatal care, chronic illness or other medical problems, healthcare providers can help reduce chances of babies being born at low birth weights
Family members, relatives and friends of women of reproductive age can also take up informal campaigns to encourage prevent complications in pregnancy that may lead to loss of infant life.
4. Improving Newborn Care: Parents and caregivers should become familiar with the risk factors:
Tummy or side sleeping. Always place sleeping infants on their backs as research has demonstrated that babies who are put to sleep on their tummy or side are more likely to die from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, SIDS.
Soft surfaces. Placing infants to sleep on surfaces like couches, waterbeds, sofas or pillows has been associated with an increased risk for SIDS. The same goes for sleeping with stuffed toys and loose bedding.
Overheating. Dressing babies in too many layers of clothing, using too many blankets or putting them to sleep in rooms that are too hot can lead to infant death.
Bed sharing. The safest place for an infant to sleep is in their own cot or other separate safe sleep surface next to the parent or caregiver’s bed. Also, infants born premature or with low birth weight should NEVER sleep in the same bed with parents or caregivers.
