UNICEF : THE WORLD'S NEWBORN BABIES?

IN PAKISTAN 600 newborn babies die every day.

UNICEF : Every year, 15 million babies in the world are born prematurely and nearly 1 million die due to related complications.

This makes preterm birth one of the leading causes of child deaths under age 5.

Each day, over 600 newborns die in Pakistan due to complications related to birth asphyxia, prematurity and sepsis, says the United Nation Children's Fund [UNICEF].

While supporting the new initiatives taken by the government to reduce preterm births and newborn mortality due to related complications, UNICEF calls for working together, - partnering with families in care of  small and sick newborns, which is also the theme, this year for the World Prematurity Day, being observed globally.

Collaborated efforts have helped in reduction of newborn mortality from 55 deaths per 1,000  live births to 42 deaths per 1,000  live births during the last five years.

However, the number of newborn deaths is still unacceptably high and continued efforts are imperative to save precious lives.

UNICEF adds and emphasizes that the reduction in premature births and and newborn deaths can be achieved by strengthening health policies and services with focus on maternal nutrition and improving access and care for mothers and newborns.

The World Students Society thanks author Imran Chaudhary.