Newborn Health

Newborn health is health of the infant during the period from birth until 28 days of postnatal life. The newborn age group suffers more than infants and older children from under-developed immune system (infections with normal flora), conditions associated with maternal and obstetric risk factors and conditions related to immaturity of vital organs such as the lungs. The newborn period of life is the most vulnerable time of a child’s survival. Neonatal mortality accounts for nearly half of the under-5-year mortality and occurs for 98% in low-income countries. Despite the efforts of the past 20 years promoted within the Millennium Development Goals and Sustainable Development Goals, the neonatal period remains the most likely period for a child to die. Most of neonatal deaths (75%) occurs during the first week of life, and about one million newborns die within the first 24 hours every year. Prematurity, birth asphyxia, infections, and birth defects are the main causes.