Opinion Article - Journal of Child and Adolescent Health (2023) Volume 7, Issue 2

Born to thrive and ensuring optimal neonatal health for a brighter future

Department of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China

*Corresponding Author:

Osei Yang
Department of Public Health
Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
E-mail: Yang.o@xmu.edu.cn

Received: 31-Mar-2023, Manuscript No. AAJCAH-23-97301; Editor assigned: 03-Apr-2023, Pre QC No. AAJCAH-23-97301(PQ); Reviewed: 17-Apr-2023, QC No. AAJCAH-23-97301; Revised: 22-Apr-2023, Manuscript No. AAJCAH-23-97301(R); Published: 29-Apr-2023, DOI: 10.35841/aajcah-7.2.145

Citation: Yang O. Born to thrive and ensuring optimal neonatal health for a brighter future. J Child Adolesc Health. 2023;7(2):145

Introduction

The neonatal period, defined as the first 28 days of life, is a critical time for a new-born’s health and development. During this period, new-borns are vulnerable to a range of health problems, including prematurity, low birth weight, infections, and birth defects. Ensuring optimal neonatal health is crucial for setting the foundation for a child's future health and wellbeing. One of the most important factors in neonatal health is ensuring a safe and healthy pregnancy. Adequate prenatal care, including regular check-ups, proper nutrition, and monitoring for gestational diabetes and other health problems, can help prevent many neonatal health problems. Moreover, ensuring that mothers have access to safe delivery facilities with skilled birth attendants can help prevent birth injuries and complications [1].

Additionally, access to quality neonatal care is crucial for ensuring optimal neonatal health. Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) provide specialized care for premature and sick new-borns and can help prevent complications and improve outcomes. However, not all communities have access to NICUs or trained neonatal healthcare providers, making it essential to prioritize neonatal care in healthcare policies and funding. Another critical aspect of neonatal health is promoting breastfeeding. Breastfeeding provides essential nutrients and immune-boosting factors that help protect new-borns from infections and improve their long-term health outcomes. Policies that promote and support breastfeeding, such as providing lactation support and accommodations in the work place can go a long way in promoting neonatal health [2].

Furthermore, ensuring access to vaccines is vital for protecting new-borns from infectious diseases such as hepatitis B and tetanus. Vaccination programs targeting pregnant women can also protect new-borns by providing passive immunity through maternal antibodies. Finally, addressing social determinants of health is crucial for promoting optimal neonatal health. Factors such as poverty, access to healthcare, and education can significantly impact a new-born’s health outcomes. Policies that address these underlying social determinants of health, such as expanding access to affordable healthcare and improving educational opportunities, can help promote neonatal health and ensure that every new-born has an equal opportunity to thrive [3].

Investing in neonatal health not only has the potential to improve individual health outcomes but also has broader economic and social benefits. Healthy new-borns are more likely to grow into healthy adults, which can result in a more productive workforce and a healthier population overall. Additionally, the cost savings from preventing neonatal complications and reducing long-term health problems can be substantial. Furthermore, prioritizing neonatal health can have a significant impact on global health outcomes. Globally, an estimated 2.4 million new-borns die each year, with the majority of these deaths occurring in low- and middle-income countries. Improving neonatal health in these regions can have a substantial impact on reducing child mortality rates and promoting overall health and well-being [4].

As we look towards the future, there is a growing recognition of the need to prioritize neonatal health. The United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals include targets to reduce neonatal mortality rates and improve access to quality healthcare for mothers and new-borns. Moreover, there is a growing emphasis on integrating neonatal care into broader healthcare systems to improve continuity of care and promote optimal outcomes. Ensuring optimal neonatal health is crucial for setting the foundation for a child's future health and wellbeing. Through policies and interventions that promote safe and healthy pregnancies, access to quality neonatal care, breastfeeding support, vaccination programs, and addressing social determinants of health, we can help ensure that every new-born has the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential. Investing in neonatal health today can help create a brighter future for generations to come [5].

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