8-10pc new born babies suffer from infections within 1st 2 months

Staff Reporter :

Infections are responsible for 20-40 per cent of newborn deaths in Bangladesh, as revealed by two major clinical trials presented on Monday at the Radisson Blu Water Garden Hotel in Dhaka.

The studies focus on improving the treatment of potential severe bacterial infections (PSBI) in infants fewer than two months of age, offering hope for better newborn care in low-income settings.

The clinical trials, jointly organised by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the Projahnmo Research Foundation (PRF), introduced innovative and cost-effective approaches to managing newborn infections.

“Infections among infants less than two months are a major global health issue and a leading cause of under-five child mortality, especially in low- and middle-income countries,” said Professor Dr. Md Sayedur Rahman, special assistant to the chief adviser.

Globally, 60-70 per cent of under-five deaths occur within the first two months of life, he noted.
The research, funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, was conducted in Bangladesh, Ethiopia, India, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Tanzania.

The findings emphasise the need to minimise unnecessary hospital admissions, reduce healthcare costs, and improve outcomes for families in resource-constrained environments.

Professor Dr. Md Abu Jafar, Director General of the Directorate General of Health Services, lauded the research, saying, “Evidence-based practices like these are vital for advancing newborn healthcare and tackling one of the most pressing global health challenges.”

The research paves the way for better newborn care by reducing hospital-acquired infections, enhancing accessibility, and offering cost-effective solutions. Policymakers, senior paediatricians, and stakeholders at the event discussed strategies to implement the findings nationwide and in other low-income countries.

These measures could save countless lives and address a critical public health issue, reaffirming Bangladesh’s commitment to improving child healthcare.