36 per cent newborn die due to infection

Bhopal, June 10 (UNI) Thirty-six per cent of the 40 lakh annual newborn deaths in the world occur due to infections.

The findings are given in the 'State of World's Mothers 2006' report by international organisation 'Save the Children'.

The report indicated that 26 per cent infants died due to Sepsis and pneumonia, seven per cent as their mothers were not vaccinated for tetanus during pregnancy and three per cent due to diarrhoea.

According to the report, 23 per cent died due to birth asphyxia or injuries, while seven per cent succumbed to congenital anomalies and seven per cent due to other reasons.

Twenty-seven per cent of newborn deaths result due to complications arising out of premature birth.

An important secondary factor in 60-80 per cent of all newborn deaths is low birthweight -- a weight of less than 2.5 kg.

UNI GB-PS RL RK0932