Delivering on neonatal survival to accelerate progress for millennium development goal 4

Joy E. Lawn, Kate Kerber, Christabel Enweronu-Laryea

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

Abstract

The enormous burden of almost 3.6 million neonatal deaths remains relatively invisible because of gaps in data or ineffective use of existing data, the perceived complexity and expense of solutions, and societal norms for seclusion of newborns and acceptance of neonatal deaths. The data for action for neonatal survival highlight many commonalities with maternal survival and indeed mothers and their babies are intimately linked. Stillbirths are not mentioned in Millennium Development Goal (MDG) 4 or 5, yet they are largely preventable with the same solutions. Previous false dichotomies in advocacy and programmes for maternal and newborn survival have not been helpful in accelerating progress. An integrated call for action would be more likely to increase global visibility and national action. Health professionals and policy makers need to link numbers for mothers, newborns and stillbirths together, and to work together to implement the highest impact solutions that save women and babies. This chapter reviews the progress for MDG 4 (child survival), with a focus on neonatal survival and on highlighting linkages with MDG 5 (maternal survival). Priorities for programmatic action based on the data are identified. The MDGs are the most widely ratified health and development targets ever. Nearly every nation has agreed to reach these eight interlinking goals that address poverty, hunger, education and health by 2015.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationMaternal and Infant Deaths
Subtitle of host publicationChasing Millennium Development Goals 4 and 5
PublisherCambridge University Press
Pages29-48
Number of pages20
ISBN (Electronic)9781107784758
ISBN (Print)9781906985301
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2010

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