Simple steps reduce neonatal mortality rate by 33pc

Simple care like monitoring expected mothers' health, counseling and taking them to health centers in time reduced the death rate by 33 per cent in three upazilas of Beanibazar, Kanaighat and Zakiganj in Sylhet, health officials said at a function at Parjaton Motel in the city yesterday. The function was held marking launching of a special programme--Projonma 3--in the three upazilas.

The special programme is being launched as a findings under a research project styled Projomna 1 in the same upazilas yielded encouraging results.

Under the special programme covering the same three upazilas, trained midwives and health workers will visit expected mothers regularly and ensure their proper care. The programme will be implemented under the supervision of government health centers in the three upazilas.

Speaking on the occasion, health officials said neonatal mortality rate in Bangladesh is 41 per thousand live births, which is too high compared to that in developed countries. The rate is 63 per thousand in Sylhet, which is highest in the country, they said.

They said maternal mortality ratio in Bangladesh is 320 per 100,00 live Births. One woman dies in every 45 minutes in the country due to pregnancy complications for lack of proper care, they said.

Access to child birth facilities and is also poor in Sylhet division, they said.

The speakers said about 10,400 babies are born every day in Bangladesh. Out of every 1,000 babies born alive, 41 die in first 28 days. Direct causes of neonatal deaths worldwide are similar to those in Bangladesh.

The rates are high in Sylhet because of lack of good communication, they said.