WHO video: Saving Lives at Birth

Gaza, 31 May 2018. As WHO shows in a 5-minute video launched today in Gaza, there have been no indications of reductions in neonatal mortality in Gaza since 2006. In January 2016, in recognition of the particular vulnerability of women, children and newborns in Gaza, the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced its commitment to support the health of these groups through funding to a project with WHO. The project focuses on the provision of emergency health care, with a particular focus on improving neonatal care in Gaza. Studies carried out by UNRWA and validated by WHO in 2016 revealed that infant mortality has shown no significant improvement over the last ten years. Further findings within the validation study provided insight into the causes and circumstances surrounding neonatal deaths in Gaza, with a higher rate of death in newborns in certain socio-economic settings and most neonatal deaths associated with infections, asphyxia and prematurity. Most newborn lives can be saved by early essential newborn care (EENC) – i.e. simple, cost-effective interventions focused on birth and the first days of life. These include proper immediate drying of the newborn after birth; skin-to-skin contact for at least 90 minutes; delayed cord clamping; and early initiation of breastfeeding. In early 2016, the Ministry of Health, recognizing investment in newborn care as a priority, requested WHO support in developing an action plan for reducing neonatal mortality in Gaza. The Action Plan for Neonatal Care in Palestine 2017-18 and an implementation plan for Gaza were finalized in coordination with key stakeholders, building on the key recommendations of the UNRWA/WHO study. Recommendations included incorporating EENC into hospital practices for newborn care, reflecting national commitment to integration of the EENC approach. So far, clinical EENC protocols have been adapted in Gaza, and the project has scaled up coaching for staff, with periodic quality assurance. WHO has further supported the MoH in equipment and procurement for the essential items and drugs needed for maternity and newborn care.