The Importance of Infant Health & Lowering Infant Mortality

Going on nine years now, LiveBeyond has been caring for the mothers and babies of Thomazeau, Haiti, through the maternal health program. We provide healthcare to the mothers throughout their pregnancy and continue to provide quality care after delivery for the mother and baby. Maternal and infant health are paramount to living strong and healthy lives.

The infant’s health is equally important as the mother’s health before, during, and after birth. Sadly, according to the World Health Organization, the vast majority of newborn deaths take place in low and middle-income countries. 

In order to combat the high infant mortality rates, it is imperative that the child receives quality care through the beginning stages of life. 

The World Health Organization provides us with staggering facts about the early stages of a newborn’s life: 

–  In 2019, 47% of all under-5 deaths occurred in the newborn period. About one-third die on the day of birth and close to three-quarters die within the first week of life.

–  Children who die within the first 28 days of birth suffer from different conditions and diseases. These conditions are associated with a lack of quality or skilled care at birth. Also, lack of treatment immediately after birth and in the first days of life are contributors.

–  There are 5 main causes of death from the end of the neonatal period through the first 5 years of life: pneumonia, diarrhea, birth defects, and malaria. Malnutrition is the underlying contributing factor, making children more vulnerable to severe diseases.

The LiveBeyond maternal health program continues to provide quality care for the mother and child in order to lower the number of infant deaths in our area of Thomazeau, Haiti. 

Every mother and child deserves nothing less than top-tier quality care so they can live strong, healthy, and happy lives! Happy and healthy mothers and babies build happy and healthy communities. 

Thank you for keeping the mothers and children of Thomazeau, Haiti, in your prayers!