[afro-nets] Opportunities for Africa's newborns: Practical data, policy & programmatic support for newborn care

["Brian Pazvakavambwa" <PazvakavambwaB@zw.afro.who.int>]

Opportunities for Africa's newborns: Practical data, policy & programmatic support for newborn care
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Each year at least 1.16 million newborn babies die in sub-Saharan Africa. This region has the highest risk of newborn deaths and the slowest progress in reducing mortality. More than two thirds of these babies could be saved with low cost, low tech interventions, most of which are already in policy but do not reach the poor. Countries are finding that addressing newborn health is a catalyst to strengthening existing health packages and other programmes. This publication has grown out of a wide partnership to seize this opportunity and promote investment in Africa's future.

Under the umbrella of the Partnership for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (PMNCH), 9 organizations, 60 authors and over 40 reviewers, drawn from policymakers and programme leaders for MNCH in Africa, have been involved and contributed to this publication. The book provides an overview of the continuum of care through the lifecycle and opportunities to address gaps at all levels - family and community care, outreach services and health care facilities. Case studies are analysed in order to learn the practical steps for phasing interventions, strengthening and integrating service provision, and providing every mother, newborn and child in Africa with essential care.

Download the executive summary
http://www.who.int/entity/pmnch/media/publications/execsum.pdf

Download the full book
http://www.who.int/entity/pmnch/media/publications/oanfullreport.pdf

WHO press Release on this book:

Opportunities for Africa's newborns

New report shows improvements in child survival in Africa for the first time since the 1980s ? but more than a million African babies still die in the first month of life. Full press release available at:
http://www.who.int/mediacentre/news/releases/2006/pr70/en/index.html

Contact:
Flavienne Issembe
Tel: +47-24139352
Email mailto:issembef@afro.who.int,