by PS Mabaquiao

San Jose, Antique (18 October) -- “Proper health education among parents and children caregivers is the key to address neonatal deaths”, said Dr. Norman Tanchuan, Officer-in-Charge, Provincial Health Office.

Neonatal deaths or commonly called tetanus among infants maybe caused by unsafe/unhealthy practices during delivery especially when infant is delivered with untrained hilot or without the presence of skilled health personnel.

Dr. Tanchuan assured the public that Antique hospitals, lying in clinics are following the guidelines set by the World Health Organization that all births should be delivered with trained health personnel to ensure safety of infants.

This is in response to the investigation of Secretary Francisco Duque III of the Department of Health (DOH) on the death of seven infants in the state-run Rizal Medical Center (RMC) in Pasig allegedly due to neonatalsepsis. It can be recalled that Secretary Duque ordered temporary closure of Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of RMC pending investigation of the case.

Secretary Duque said earlier that neonatal deaths is caused by hospital-acquired microbes, infection of moms, and dirty surroundings. He emphasized the importance of proper sanitation and hygiene in places where mommies and newborn babies stay.

In Antique, aside from the campaign on sanitary environment, PHO is also strengthening its advocacy on tetanus immunization among pregnant mothers and complete immunization among infants to eradicate causes of mortality and morbidity due to preventable diseases.

PHO also encouraged mothers to give birth in the hospitals, health centers and birthing clinics to ensure their safety especially when they are at risks. It can be noted that birthing clinics and health and nutrition post are open and are available even in remote areas of the province.