Global Newborn Health
I remember the day vividly. It had been an agonizing wait on pins and needles for the call… And that day, in the midst of selling our car no less, that day we found out for certain we were going to have our first baby bear. It happens every day to millions of women all across the globe. But when it is you, it is like no one has ever been pregnant before.
You wait the long – or short - nine months hoping for everything to go well. You say you don’t care whether it’s a boy or a girl as long as it’s healthy, even though in this part of the world we too often take that healthy part for granted.
Things may happen. We may have to have a c-section (three for me). We may have to undergo surgery while pregnant (twice for me, my theory being that my body attacks itself while pregnant). We may have pre-term labor, breastfeeding issues, low blood sugar at delivery, jaundice, and maybe even chromosomal abnormalities among other things. And I am not making light of some horrific situations anyone can face, however we live in an era and place where expert medical technology is available to us for so many, many things.
But do you know the stark truths of global newborn health?
UN Photo/Albert González Farran
Did you know that nearly 3 million newborns die each year globally?
Did you know that 99% of these newborns die in low- and middle-income countries?
Did you know that a newborn is 45X times more likely to die in the first month of life, when compared to age 1 month to 5 years?
Did you know that the major causes of newborn death are prematurity, infection, and birth asphyxia when a baby’s brain and other organs do not get enough oxygen before, during or right after birth are?
Did you know that complications of preterm birth are the second leading cause of death in children before their fifth birthday?
And, did you know that the majority of these newborn deaths can be prevented?
credit: Impatient Optimists
The first Global Newborn Health Conference will take place in Johannesburg, South Africa from April 15-18. This is only a beginning of an important discussion from top maternal and newborn health experts, researchers, and NGOs on real solutions.
Want to Join the Conversation?
- Read more about the Global Newborn Health Conference at www.newborn2013.com.
- Follow the #newborn2013 hashtag.
- Follow Gary Darmstadt – Director of the Family Health Division of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation - @gdarmsta and @gatesfoundation.
- Share the facts you learn about newborn health.
This post was written for the Global Team of 200, a highly specialized group of Mom Bloggers for Social Good members who focus on maternal health, children, hunger, and women and girls.
What is one thing you were thankful to have during pregnancy? What is one thing you wish you could give to all new mothers?
, from Andrea Jourdan doesn’t specify mason jars because there are countless gems you can find frugally and inexpensively at thrift shops or at the back of grandma’s pantry. Whatever jar you use, you are sure to create something delicious! 
