National Newborn Care Week: Every year, from November 15 to 21, the country celebrates Newborn Care Week. The main goal is to make people aware of how important it is to take care of newborns for their health and growth.
The first 28 days of a baby's life are very important for their survival. During this time, the risk of a baby dying is the highest compared to any other time in their childhood. This first month is also very important for their future health and growth. Every year, 2.6 million babies die in the first 28 days of life, most of them in the first week. Additionally, there are 2.6 million stillbirths every year. Although the Neonatal Mortality Rate (NMR) has gone down from 44 per 1000 live births in 2000 to 20 per 1000 live births in 2020, the goal of reducing under-five mortality to 20 or less per 1000 live births by 2035 can only happen if we specifically work on reducing newborn mortality. Labor, birth, and the time right after birth are very important for the survival of both the baby and the mother. And 75% of newborn deaths can be prevented with known, effective health measures provided at birth and during the first week of life.