Overcoming the challenges to survive - the story of baby Chit Htun

In Myanmar, prematurity is a leading cause of death in the first year and the Ayeyarwady region records the highest levels of neonatal mortality nationally.

Maternal malnutrition, poverty, lack of health education and a lack of access to antenatal care make the early stages of life very difficult, particularly in rural areas. In many cases hypothermia, a leading cause of infant death often goes unrecognised and untreated, likewise, low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) and a low level of oxygen (hypoxia).

©2018/Myaung Mya Paediatric Team

For those who are admitted to neonatal units malnutrition is a problem. There are often delays feeding and supportive feeding approaches such as nasogastric (NG) feeding are not routine. Units experience nursing and medical shortages and staff change department frequently which means staff often find it difficult to practice in the most effective way.

The limited number of working incubators, monitoring equipment, infusion pumps, and laboratory facilities, combined with power cuts, overcrowding of hospital wards mean babies face daily challenges. Infection control management is difficult across all areas of hospital care for babies and children.