- Role of Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC): KMC, which involves skin-to-skin contact between mother and baby, is an effective, low-cost intervention supported by UNICEF. It helps stabilize the infant’s body temperature, vital signs, and emotional bonding, significantly improving survival rates.
- High Neonatal Mortality in Pakistan: Pakistan has some of the world’s highest rates of preterm births and neonatal deaths, with over 700 newborns dying daily, mainly due to complications from premature births.
- Need for Expansion and Urgent Action: Since its introduction in 2019, KMC has saved over 18,000 newborns in Pakistan. However, to achieve the target of reducing neonatal mortality to 30 deaths per 1,000 live births by 2030, expanding KMC units across the country is critical. Immediate action is needed to enhance the reach and quality of this intervention.
In observance of World Prematurity Day, UNICEF urged Pakistan to expand the implementation of Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) to help save the lives of premature infants.
Pakistan faces some of the highest rates of preterm births and neonatal deaths globally, with over 700 newborns dying each day. Complications from premature births contribute to more than 15% of these deaths.
“Every premature baby deserves access to quality care, regardless of when or where they are born,” stated Abdullah Fadil, UNICEF’s Representative in Pakistan.
Kangaroo Mother Care, an intervention supported by UNICEF, involves continuous skin-to-skin contact between the mother and baby, with the infant wrapped in a warm blanket. This simple, evidence-based approach is one of the most cost-effective methods for saving the lives of vulnerable newborns. “Expanding KMC units to every district in Pakistan is essential to reducing neonatal mortality,” emphasized Fadil.
KMC helps premature babies regulate their body temperature and fosters a strong emotional connection between mother and child.
In Pakistan, preterm birth is a leading cause of neonatal mortality, accounting for over one-third of all newborn deaths. Many premature infants who survive suffer lifelong health issues due to inadequate medical care.
Since Kangaroo Mother Care was integrated into Pakistan’s public healthcare system in 2019, it has saved over 18,000 newborns. With support from UNICEF and in collaboration with the Ministry of National Health Services and provincial health departments, KMC units have been established in 65 public health facilities across 65 districts.
To meet the Sustainable Development Goal of reducing neonatal mortality to 30 deaths per 1,000 live births by 2030, down from the current rate of 39 per 1,000, Pakistan needs to rapidly enhance the reach and quality of cost-effective interventions like KMC.
“Premature babies are extremely vulnerable, and it is our responsibility to provide them with the quality healthcare needed for survival. Immediate action is crucial because every day counts,” added Fadil.
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Causes of Pre-Term Babies
Premature birth, defined as childbirth before 37 weeks of gestation, can result from various factors, often associated with maternal health and lifestyle.
Common causes include infections, chronic conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes, and complications such as placental issues or carrying multiple babies (e.g., twins or triplets). Infections in the mother, such as urinary tract or sexually transmitted infections, can induce early labor due to inflammation or stress.
Lifestyle factors like smoking, alcohol use, and poor nutrition also increase the risk. Additionally, a history of preterm births or structural problems in the uterus or cervix can elevate the likelihood of premature delivery.
Preterm infants often face challenges like underdeveloped organs and higher risks of complications such as respiratory distress syndrome, necessitating specialized neonatal care.
Programs like Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) play a crucial role in supporting these vulnerable infants. KMC involves direct skin-to-skin contact between the mother and baby, which helps regulate the baby’s temperature, stabilize vital signs, and enhance bonding.
This method has proven effective in improving survival rates of preterm infants, particularly in areas with limited access to advanced neonatal care.
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