The training of medical staff in handling delivery and post delivery emergencies would reduce infant mortality by 50 percent, a researcher has said.
University of Nairobi Obstetrics and Gynecology lecturer, Dr Onesmus Gachunu says a research done by the university and Pronto, a non-novernmental organization, shows the training has appositive effect on the newborns.
Presenting the findings on the survey funded by United States Agency for International Development ( USAID), the medic noted it is necessary to train personnel in maternity and child health sector in emergency services to reduce cases of infant mortality.
The research was conducted on 13,326 deliveries at 16 public health facilities in Kisii county in six months.
“ The national neonatal rate is 360 per every 100,000 births, with the maternal rate at 27 per every 100,000 births,” said Dr Gachunu as he presented the Report dubbed Partnership in Enhanced Engagement in Research ( PEER)
Dr Gachunu said the research, which is being piloted nationally, did not meet the globally recognized data threshold of at least 100,000 births in order to qualify as an authoritative finding on infant mortality reduction.
Kisii County Director of Medical Services Dr Geoffrey Otomu said pregnant women had embraced maternity services in the area and is at 70 percent.
Otomu urged more women to attend clinics to ensure the survival of their unborn babies and their health adding the county government is involving Traditional Birth Attendants ( TBAs) to curb infant mortality during and after delivery.
He said the TBAs have been trained despite their suspicion and are now confident that their role complements modern medical care.