Chlorhexidine cord cleansing to reduce neonatal mortality

摘要

The rising proportional contribution of neonatal mortality to deaths in childhood has featured in international health policy discussions for more than a decade. Low-income and middle-income countries bear the burden of 99% of global neonatal deaths. Many infantsperhaps 60 million every year-are born at home. Infections account for an estimated 30% of neonatal deaths, and the umbilical cord is recognised as a potential entry point for infection, especially in the first few days of life. WHO and UNICEF recommend that newborn babies are visited at home in the first week of life to ensure healthy neonatal care practices, including hygienic cord care.