The agency believes that the first baby of 2021 will be born in Fiji and that, worldwide, more than half of all births on January 1 will take place in eight countries: India, China, Nigeria, Pakistan, Indonesia, States United States of America, Democratic Republic of the Congo and Ethiopia.
“The beginning of a new year and a new decade is an opportunity to reflect on our hopes and aspirations not only for our future, but for the future of those who will come after us,” said Henrietta Fore, UNICEF Executive Director. .
“As the calendar turns every January, we are reminded of all the possibility and potential that each child can embark on the journey of their life, if only given that opportunity.”
However, UNICEF reported that in 2018, 2.5 million babies died before reaching one month of age, about a third of them on the first day of life.
Most of these deaths were from preventable causes such as premature birth, complications during childbirth, and infections such as sepsis.
In addition, more than 2.5 million babies are born dead each year.
UNICEF noted that there has been tremendous progress in child survival over the past 30 years. In this time, the number of children dying before the fifth birthday has been reduced by more than half.
Unfortunately, babies ’progress has been slower. Babies who died during the first month of life accounted for 47% of deaths among children under five in 2018, compared to 40% in 1990.
“Too many mothers and newborns are not cared for by a trained and equipped midwife or nurse, and the results are devastating,” Ms. Fore.
“We can make sure millions of babies survive their first day and live this decade and beyond if each of them is born in a safe pair of hands.”
UNICEF believes that providing universal health care can help save more newborns.
Through its Every Child Alive campaign, the agency calls for immediate investment in midwives and other health workers who are equipped with medications and writing equipment to ensure all mothers and babies are cared for safely.