Addressing Child Mortality: The Need for Basic Care Improvements

Unicef’s recent child mortality report highlights a concerning trend: progress in reducing childhood deaths has plateaued, with most fatalities in 2024 deemed preventable. The report reveals that over 80% of under-five deaths occur in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, with neonatal conditions accounting for more than a third of these deaths. The challenges faced by public birth facilities in fragile healthcare systems often leave mothers and infants vulnerable, as survival becomes a matter of chance rather than assured care.

The Guardian

The barriers to effective maternal and infant healthcare are consistent and multifaceted. Delays in seeking care, reaching healthcare facilities, and receiving timely and adequate treatment significantly contribute to high mortality rates. Furthermore, the recognition of complicated cases and the prompt referral to specialized care are often lacking. For instance, a well-equipped delivery room becomes ineffective if it is inaccessible during critical hours, and a stocked medicine cabinet is futile without trained professionals to administer care.

The Guardian

Pakistan serves as a notable example of how addressing basic healthcare needs can lead to significant improvements in child survival rates. In Punjab, the government, with support from organizations, increased facility deliveries by over 350,000 annually between 2012 and 2015. This initiative contributed to a remarkable 35% reduction in infant mortality rates by 2024. Similarly, in Sindh, public facility delivery rates have more than doubled since 2017, demonstrating that consistent attention to basic healthcare can yield transformative results.

The Guardian

Dr. Farhana Zareef from Acasus emphasizes the urgency of addressing these issues, stating, “No woman should depend on luck to survive childbirth – and no baby should die for lack of the basics we already know how to deliver.” This sentiment underscores the need for a systematic approach to healthcare that prioritizes foundational elements over complex solutions.

The Guardian

Despite the positive examples, critics argue that systemic issues within healthcare infrastructure remain largely unaddressed. They point out that without substantial investment in healthcare systems and training for healthcare professionals, improvements may be limited. The reliance on basic care solutions may not suffice in regions where deeper systemic changes are necessary.

The Guardian

The findings from Unicef’s report should serve as a catalyst for governments and organizations to reevaluate their healthcare strategies. Future initiatives must focus on ensuring that basic healthcare needs are met consistently, with an emphasis on accessibility and quality of care to prevent unnecessary deaths among mothers and infants.

The Guardian

• “No woman should depend on luck to survive childbirth – and no baby should die for lack of the basics we already know how to deliver.” — Dr. Farhana Zareef, Acasus, Toronto, Canada.

The Guardian