Save the Children, in accordance with UNICEF and other leaders in health, published a report earlier this year titled “Reducing Neonatal Mortality and Morbidity in Latin America and The Caribbean.” The report explains that while infant mortality rates have been decreasing in the region, neonatal mortality rates have shown almost no decline in the past ten years. The report claims that the lack of progress is due to a lack of programs which specifically target neonates. According to the report, neonatal mortality in the Latin American and Caribbean region (LAC) is estimated to be 15 per 1,000 live births and newborn mortality accounts for 60% of infant deaths and 36% of under-five mortality.

The report explains that neonatal deaths in the LAC region are often due to infections or prematurity, as well as other causes, but there are several underlying factors for the high mortality rates including inequalities in access to health care and low percentage of births with skilled birth attendants.  The report goes on to promote improvements in neonatal interventions and improved health care, with focus on maternal health, due the close link between maternal health and neonatal health. One strategy includes the continuation of nutrition supplementation to mothers from the pre-pregnancy through the post-partum period.
 
According to the report, micronutrient deficiencies are common in women of reproductive age in the LAC region. Many women enter pregnancy without adequate micronutrient reserves, which seriously affects their own health and the health of their newborn infants. Anemia is present in 40% of women in the region and vitamin A deficiency is common as well, making it important to continue and improve focus on maternal supplementation as an intervention method for maternal and neonatal mortality.
 
Read the report>>
 
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