As Malawians celebrated the New Year, 1 652 babies were being delivered in various public health facilities countrywide.
The births exceeded those born on Christmas Day by 165, when 1 487 new babies were recorded in the country.
Ministry of Health statistics made available to Weekend Nation indicate on New Year’s Day, 858 were boys while 794 were girls, representing 51.9 percent and 48.1 percent respectively.
Just like on Christmas Day, Lilongwe registered the highest number of New Year’s Day babies (247), followed by Mangochi with 119, Kasungu had 86 while Machinga recorded 84.
Likoma District had the least number of babies as it welcomed only two, a boy and a girl. On Christmas Day, it was also the least with one baby.
Health rights advocate Grace Febbie Ngulube said in an interview yesterday that while birth bring joy, government must strengthen maternal and newborn healthcare services to avoid neonatal deaths.
She further observed that ensuring skilled birth attendance and access to emergency care during delivery is also crucial in preventing complications.
“Expanding postnatal care services within the first 28 days, when newborns are most vulnerable, will help detect and address health issues early. Promoting preventive measures like immunisation and exclusive breastfeeding is also crucial.
“Community-based health initiatives are essential to educate families on newborn care and danger signs. Training community health workers and improving emergency referral systems will ensure timely access to care. These combined efforts will significantly reduce neonatal deaths and improve child survival rates,” explained Ngulube, a global ambassador for Hervoice Fund and a member of Global Fund Youth Council.
