Infant mortality: MCD initiates programmes

With just 60 per cent mothers breastfeeding their newborns in the city,the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) on Thursday organised an orientation programme for Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA) and Anganwadi workers to promote breastfeeding,hygiene,institutional delivery and bring down child mortality rates.

The programme was the first in a series of 30 such programmes over a period of one year in different parts of Delhi. Dr V K Monga,Chairman of Medical Relief and Public Health Committee said that much needs to be done as the infant mortality ratio in the country is still 59,and 40 out of every 1,000 infants die within the first month of their birth. He added that over 50 per cent deliveries take place in non-institutional conditions and only 40 per cent infants are breast-fed within one hour of their birth.

Calling on health workers to spread awareness on hygiene and curb infant mortality,Monga said that the role of ASHA and Anganwadi workers is “crucial as they work as an interface between the community and the public health system.”

Breast-feeding,he added,“should be started early and last as long as possible to keep newborns healthy”.

The programme was inaugurated by the Mayor of Delhi Prithvi Raj Sawhney at a primary MCD school in New Ashok Nagar ward in East Delhi. It was conducted by experts from Kasturba hospital in collaboration with the MCD’s Health department.