National Newborn Week 2024 carrying the theme “Optimising Antimicrobial Use to Prevent Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in Newborns” was launched today at a programme organized by the office of the District Medical &Health Officer, East Jaintia Hills District at Khliehriat Civil Hospital, Khliehriat, East Jaintia Hills District.
The programme was attended by District Medical &Health Officer, East Jaintia Hills District, Dr D. Shylla in the presence of District Immunization Officer, East Jaintia Hills District, Dr (Mrs) N. P. Suchiang, Medical &Health Officer (Paediatrician), Khliehriat Civil Hospital, Dr Henry RM Lamare, CHO, Khliehriat MCH, Smt. R. Dkhar, ASHAs and others.
Addressing the gathering, District Medical &Health Officer, East Jaintia Hills District, Dr D. Shylla emphasized on the significance of the occasion which serves as a reminder of the duty of stakeholders including health officials, ASHAs and members of the public to prevent infants from infection in order to reduce neonatal mortality.
Dr. Shylla further stressed on the importance of nutrition, hygiene and quality care for pregnant women and infants in the district.
Meanwhile, Medical &Health Officer (Paediatrician), Khliehriat Civil Hospital, Dr Henry RM Lamare in his speech during the programme dwelt at length on the theme of the observation which is “Optimising Antimicrobial Use to Prevent Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in Newborns” and highlighted the gathering on several infections which infants can contract including infections caused by antibiotics which are administered by parents to newborns without prior consultation with physicians.
Dr Lamare further stated that exclusive breastfeeding is of a paramount importance for the health and well-being of neonatals and impressed upon ASHAs present on the occasion to spread the message to people of their respective communities even as he urged them to follow up with high-risk pregnant women for saving the lives of mothers and infants.
During the programme, all the ASHAs led by CHO, Khliehriat MCH, Smt. R. Dkhar demonstrated the 7 steps of handwashing technique. Others who spoke during the programme were District Immunization Officer, East Jaintia Hills District, Dr (Mrs) N. P. Suchiang, DPM, NHM, East Jaintia Hills District, Shri A. Dhar, and PHN, East Jaintia Hills District, Smt. Pinky Lawait. (DPRO, Khliehriat)
