Ways to Reduce Child Mortality Rate - Smartest Ways To Save Lives!
Child mortality refers to the death of children, which is now talk of the town. A lot of people are aware of it and fighting to decrease the ratio of death in the developing world. The Death ratio of children under the age of 5 years has decreased dramatically over the past few years. However, according to World Health Organization, there’s still a lot to do in the fight against child mortality.
The governments and relevant authorities are primarily responsible to come out with comprehensive plans and work out ways to reduce child mortality. Below we will be looking at some possible ways to reduce child mortality.
Preventing Birth Defects
A birth defect is one of the major reasons for deaths in children. There are various types of birth defects, which can happen during pregnancy. So, there are many things women can do to prevent the risk of birth defects. Such as taking good care of themselves, getting enough iron to reduce the neural tube defects, and taking prenatal vitamins in a time to reduce any birth deficiencies which can lead to death.
Low Birth Weight and its Outcomes
Low birth weights are another leading cause of child mortality in the world. Researchers and health care providers have been extensively working in this regard, trying to find ways to stop the early deliveries. Children born underweight commonly have a high risk for serious breathing problems because of their underdeveloped lungs. They need to get treated with extensive care and remain in strict observation. Ventilators and steroids can also help stabilize breathing to allow the lungs to develop fully. Researches show that children born at low birth weight can face some serious health problems later in their lives. Thereby, combating low birth weights can help in various ways to reduce child mortality.
Taking good care
In the development of a fetus, a mother`s health, experiences, and environment plays a vital role. A mother can reduce the risk of many diseases such as low birth weight, pregnancy complications, and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) which may lead to child mortality by taking good care of herself.
Women should keep improving their health, rather than wait until they get pregnant. Gaining a healthy weight, taking proper nutrition and regular prenatal care can help to reduce the child mortality risk for the babies she may have in the future. Donate to children's charity and help us improve the lives of poor families.
Creating a safe environment for child Sleep
SIDS is another common factor that causes child mortality, especially in infants under the age of 1 year. Other sleep-related causes of death come under the category of SIDS, including accidental suffocation and vehicle collision, etc.
Till now there is no certain way to prevent sudden deaths, although there are few ways that can help in reducing the risk of SIDS. Such as loose bedding, do not keep soft objects in the baby sleep area, and always place a baby on her or his back to sleep are some important ways to prevent child mortality.
Detect Unseen Conditions by using newborn screening
Newborn screening is a great way to detect the certain condition that is not visible at the birth time but can develop some serious disabilities that can lead to child mortality later.
This screening performs by healthcare providers who take few drops of blood from the infant`s heel and place that on special paper. They carefully analyzed the blood spots and if any condition detected then immediately begin the treatment. This overall procedure may help in decreasing child mortality.