Longleng, Mon launch National Newborn Week

DIMAPUR — The District Health Societies (DHS) of Longleng and Mon launched National Newborn Week 2024 on Friday on the theme ‘Optimising antimicrobial use to prevent antimicrobial resistance in newborns’ at their respective District Hospitals.

National Newborn Week is celebrated every year all over the country from November 15 to the 21st to raise awareness about the importance of newborn care, with particular focus on addressing the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance.

A press release from the office of the chief medical officer (CMO), Longleng, informed that Dr. Sanuzolu, paediatrician at DHL, has emphasised the importance of newborn care saying that the neonatal period of life is a crucial period for child survival. She informed that all newborns require essential newborn care to minimise the risk of illness and to maximise their growth and development.

The paediatrician further encouraged the ASHAs to follow up HBNC till the child attains 28 days after delivery. 

In Mon, the chief medical officer Dr. Supongmenla Walling informed that the goal of the campaign was to ensure both healthcare workers and families play an active role in safeguarding the health of newborns, whether at healthcare facilities or in the community.

She stated that the theme emphasises the importance of careful antibiotic use during the neonatal period to prevent antibiotic resistance. She added that the theme emphasises implementation of essential maternal and child health services in healthcare facilities as well as fostering strong connections with the community to ensure that newborns not only survive but thrive in good health.

She further requested the public gathered at the hospital to extend their cooperation to all the healthcare providers and ASHAs during community follow-ups of newborns throughout the National Newborn Week.

In commemoration of the day, Dr. Supongmenla handed over gift hamper to the newborns which included baby soap, diapers and juice for the mothers.

The campaign would be implemented in all the six blocks of the district for a week.