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Science Reduces Child Mortality

INTRODUCTION

Child mortality in science is typically defined as the number of deaths of children under five years of age in a given year per one thousand children in this age group. The age and parameters, however, may vary among different reports. Some reports might include only children between the ages of one and four years, while others might include all minor children. It is imperative to note the operational definition employed in a report before making comparisons with other reported data.

 

WHAT CAUSES REDUCTION IN MORTALITY RATE?

Factors responsible for low mortality rates in developed countries have been the cleanliness of the person and home, hygienic surroundings, pollution control, social security measures, balanced food, and health consciousness. Being a non-smoker, eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly and limiting alcohol consumption can reduce your risk of many potentially lethal diseases such as heart disease, stroke and cancer. Stronger health systems improve access to high-quality obstetric care to reduce maternal mortality. Women survive complications of pregnancy and childbirth in functional health systems, with efficient referral systems. There is an urgent need for a responsive healthcare system that takes into consideration population and disease trends.

 

WHAT CAN DECREASE MATERNAL AND INFANT MORTALITY?

Timely maternal vaccination, especially the measles, mumps and rubella(MMR) vaccine can protect pregnant women against infections and viruses that cause birth defects. Pregnant women and women who wish to become pregnant can talk to their doctor about vaccines recommended during pregnancy. For every pregnancy-related death, there are 70 severe maternal morbidity events, or unexpected outcomes of labour and delivery that result in significant short- or long-term consequences to someone’s health. Maternal health disparities are especially marked for specific racial and ethnic minorities.

 

SOLUTIONS THAT SAVES LIVES, REDUCE CHILD MORTALITY

According to the World Health Organization, six solutions to the most preventable causes of death for children under 5 years include immediate and exclusive breastfeeding, acquiring skilled attendants for antenatal, birth, and postnatal care, having access to nutrition and micronutrients, family knowledge of danger signs in child’s health, improved access to water, sanitation and hygiene, and immunizations. World Vision aims to ensure that children grow up healthy in their communities, with access to basic health services, adequate nutrition, and disease prevention. Improving sanitation, access to clean drinking water, immunization against infectious diseases, and other public health measures can help reduce the rate of child mortality. 

 

Reaching a healthy weight, getting proper nutrition, managing chronic health conditions, and seeking help for substance use and abuse can help a woman achieve better health before she is pregnant. Her improved health, in turn, can help reduce child mortality risks and reduce child deaths. All in all, it depends on the mother, the father, their families and the whole community to ensure the safety and well-being of the new generation. And it starts, with the mother.

 

Senamile A. Dlamini

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