Neonatal mortality cases in the Eastern Region of Ghana is on the rise as the figure increases
to 291 with 21 more deaths than last year. The major causes have been prematurity, low birth
weight, infections amongst others.
Dr. Joycelyn Assibey disclosed that mothers and caregivers who applied cow dung or
pepsodent on the umbilical cord to hasten its removal should desist from such practice as it
leads to infection. She indicated that the lack of ambulances and poor road network affected
referred pregnant women whose condition is worse by the time they gain access to medical
care.
The Eastern regional health director encouraged queen mothers to be advocates for care of
newborns as the health facilities cannot do it alone. The queen mothers are to ensure that
expectant mothers are well informed on antenatal care, care for newborns and avoid old
traditional practices that are detrimental to the health of mother and child. This would help to
reduce neonatal mortality cases in the Eastern region.
SOURCE: https://3news.com/neonatal-mortality-in-e-r-rises/
DATE: 13 th September, 2021
CAPTURE PHRASE: Mothers and Caregivers who applied cow dung or pepsodent on the
umbilical cord to hasten its removal should desist from it as it can lead to infection.
