Sign in. It’s quick, free and it’s up to you.
An account is an optional way to support the work we do. Find out more.
EACH YEAR, 5.5 million babies enter and leave the world without being recorded and one in three newborns – that’s over 45 million babies – do not have a birth certificate by their first birthday.
Babies who are stillborn, born too early, or who die soon after birth are least likely to be registered, even in high-income countries. Figures show that just three per cent of livebirths are registered by a child’s first birthday.
Findings in a series of academic papers published in The Lancet today paint a picture of a newborn’s chance of survival and the steps that need to be taken to end preventable infant deaths. New analyses as part of the papers indicate that three million maternal and newborn deaths and stillbirths can be prevented every year with proven interventions like the promotion of breastfeeding, neonatal resuscitation and prevention and treatment of infections.
The research was led by a team in London with collaboration with 55 health experts around the world. Commenting on the findings, Professor Joy Lawn of the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine said:
Every day, 15,000 babies are born and die without ever receiving a piece of paper. The lack of recording reflects the world’s acceptance that these deaths are inevitable. This fatalism, lack of attention, and lack of investment are the reasons behind lagging progress in reducing newborn deaths – and even slower for progress in reducing stillbirths.
“In reality, these deaths are nearly all preventable. Counting and naming every newborn is a statement that we expect that baby to survive and receive the care he or she needs, especially around birth,” she said.
Newborn deaths now account for a larger proportion of under five child deaths – 44 per cent in 2012, compared to 36 per cent in 1990. In most regions of the world, more than half of child deaths are among newborns.
Countries like Germany, the UK and the US are among high income nations showing the slowest progress in reducing their neonatal mortality rates. However it is in South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa that there is the highest burden of newborn deaths.
Researchers said the greatest opportunity for saving lives is to invest in high impact care during the time just before and immediately after birth. Quality care at birth accounts for 41 per cent of the estimated 3 million lives saved.
Family planning services and high coverage of interventions before conception are also key in driving down the number of fatalities.
This week, at the World Health Assembly in Geneva, governments will review the Every Newborn Action Plan. The plan is based on a series of measures that are already proving effective in keeping women and children healthy. The authors of the papers said today is an “unprecedented opportunity for progress”.
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
I wonder if Nethanyahu and his buddies studied the plantation of Ulster and its subsequent consequences before encouraging these “settlements” , nice word that ..
@Pat Price: I say the government should invite the israelies over here to build houses and apartments. Nothing seems to stops those boys. Our housing shortage would be solved in no time.
@Pat Price: fantastic news! Keep building and fulfilling the mandate that is legally theirs since the League of Nations created the territory in the exact fashion of Pakistan / Lebanon / anywhere else. It’s only Israel people seem to have a problem with, no one talks about Syria’s loss of land with the creation of Lebanon.
@Stiofán Mac Stáin: I’d say Assad is grand with Lebanon considering its the home of Hezbollah and Syria and Iran being allies. Oh and your point seems to be “look over there!”
@Stiofán Mac Stáin: There was no ‘mandate’ given by the league of nations for Israel to illegally settle people in land it unlawfully occupied 20 years after the creation of its state
You’re being silly.
@The Risen: In fact thats exactly what the mandate said:
“Palestine will be for the purpose of closed settlement by Jews because of their unbroken connection to the land”.
Not only did the mandate allow it but it specifically states it! You should read it sometime
@The Risen: Oh and you can’t occupy yourself. Jordan illlegally occupied the West Bank and Israel legally took it back to fulfill the borders granted to it by the League of Nations.
By your logic, if in 19 years time Ukraine took back Crimea, you would claim that Ukraine was occupying Crimea. They wouldn’t be and neither are Israel.
@Mick Micky: Read the article please. It refers to settlements being built in the west bank, not israel proper. It is against the geneva convention to settle civilians pm land you unlawfully occupy.
@The Risen: Exactly my point.
How can Jordan which illegally occupied part of Israel – magically legalize its claim through a third country which didn’t exist at the time?! The 1949 Armistice agreement (between Israel and Jordan) specifically states that the Green line is “not to be construed in any way as a legal or political boundary”.
And yet here you are stating that it is in fact a boundary. The League of nations allocated Jordan for the Arabs and all of Palestine for the Jews – including the west bank; therefore it cannot be illegal to build on land which is yours.
@Mick Micky: If what you say is correct (which we know its not), why does the international community, including the USA, consider the west bank to be occupied?
@The Risen: he’s presenting an argument that basically denies reality. That reality includes 2 recognised states both with reasonable claim to exist with one of them taking this action despite the recognised illegality of it. Stubbornly sticking to the support of one side in this ignores consequences. There is no doubt that Palestinians will see this as an apartheid move and I don’t think anyone should be surprised to see a violent reaction to that.
@Tony: I’m not saying I don’t believe in two states – I do. I’m just saying that if Jews want to buildd houses on land which they have LEGALLY purchased from Arabs then that’s fine. Palestine cannot be the Jew free zone which some want it to be as that would be actual apartheid.
@The Risen: You say it with such confidence but please do explain which part of my statement is incorrect? It’s an anomaly of international law that they consider it to be occupied.
Eugene Kontorovich has excellent videos which outline this very clearly: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ub2x5UvjUs4
The only Peace Israel wants is every Piece of Palestine.
@Brian MacCarthaigh: no such place as Palestine
@Alan Brogan: If there is no such place as palestine, why did the Balfour declaration specifically mention the establishment ‘in Palestine’ of a home for the Jewish people?
@Brian MacCarthaigh: and the Arabs want all of Palestine as well. They invaded in 1967 and lost. Though. The Israelis agreed to the carve up but the Arabs never did. That’s why there is no peace.
@Brian MacCarthaigh:
Yeah right, The Palestinian Authority are too busy funding terrorism with charity funds from the West, along with building lavish mansions for the like of Abbas and his terrorist cronies… https://youtu.be/76NytvQAIs0
Apparently there are 600 millionaires in Gaza. See here https://www.algemeiner.com/2014/07/28/gazas-millionaires-and-billionaires-how-hamass-leaders-got-rich-quick/
Bit the orange gimp more or less gave them a stamp of approval to do what they like a few weeks ago.
@Reg:
‘Bit the orange’ – I understood that, but the rest makes no sense…
@Charles Martel: what’s this got to do with club orange!
@Reg: president flipflop
Having been Jerusalem and seeing the beautiful, rich, vibrant city it is, then contrasting that with the basically 3rd world conditions that most Palestinians live in in their own state it just baffles the mind how the Israeli government can keep putting so much pressure on these people. And then the get upset when these people lash out! What do they expect, when you corner an animal its going to try fight its way out, its nature. I feel sorry for the people having to live in such conditions, and the people displaced by the ongoing occupation. These people are prisoners within their own country, who can’t travel from one area to another without being stopped and checked at gunpoint. And for the vast majority living and working abroad who can’t hold a passport for their own country as it is not internationally recognized, yet do you think Israel would give them one? Fat chance, their just seen as terrorists. Such a shame for such a beautiful part of the world and cultural hub of society
@Bird Blighe: Many Arabs are very wealthy. Gaza’s problems are entirely due to being ruled by a corrupt Islamic terrorist organisation. Isn’t it totally obvious?
@ Billy Grogan .. Hey Hatsey! Are you trolling the journal again !!??
Now your trolling on about Zionist thieves that the majority of the world is against , last time I came across your drivel you were claiming cannabis had absolutely no medicinal bring it and Ava Twomey was imagining it stopped her seizures!
Everyone … This guy is a troll !
@William Grogan: bit of a straw man to act like Gaza = Palestine.
* medicinal value
@Ibhar Mac Suibhne: I made a statement of fact about Gaza being run by an Islamic terrorist group and you’re best shot of a reply is to call me a “troll”. It must be difficult for you to function with such a low IQ.
People imagine that quack treatments work all the time that’s how con artists can exploit them. It’s explained by the Placebo Effect. Cannabis isn’t a medicine, it’s just this year’s quack cure all.
Israel has no interest in peace and the west have no interest in putting pressure on israel to stop their murderous criminal behaviour.
@joe o hare: Israel has agreed a peace deal many times it’s the Arabs who have always refused.
Obama had 8 years do do something. He did nothing except the week before he left office his administration didn’t veto an UN resolution. A cowardly performance in the end…
@rory2u: That’s not true. He did do something. He increased military aid to Israel.
Boycott the apartheid jewish state…Resolution 242 1967
@Paul Lane: Nelson Mandela denied Israel was an apartheid state and supported Israel’s right to exist.
This is quite possibly the first and only time I agree with Trump….
Jews building in Judea. Outrageous.
Judea ceased to exist in 135AD. If we’re going to start reviving biblical notions of nationality, then let’s get the Ptolemaic kingdom and Parthia back together too
@Ross Stewart: Its strange then that Ottoman and British records refer to the area as Judea and Samaria ( up till the 50′s anyway) You might let them know, if you get a chance.
By your own logic then Palestine never existed!
@Honeybadger197: “Stewart: Its strange then that Ottoman and British records refer to the area as Judea and Samaria ( up till the 50′s anyway)”
Really? Because in the Balfour declaration of 1917, the British governemnt specifically refer to the area as Palestine.
“His Majesty’s government view with favour the establishment in Palestine of a national home for the Jewish people, and will use their best endeavours to facilitate the achievement of this object, it being clearly understood that nothing shall be done which may prejudice the civil and religious rights of existing non-Jewish communities in Palestine, or the rights and political status enjoyed by Jews in any other country.”
@The Risen: A compelling argument against a point I didnt make. Slow clap.
@Honeybadger197: don’t make a complete fool of yourself. His point DIRECTLY addresses your comment.
@Tony Canning: No it doesnt Tony. The area has been known as Judea and Samaria for thousands of years. I made no reference to the wider lands/ regions being collectively referred to as “Palestine”. Its like you’re giving me grief for pointing out Cork is/was called Cork by shouting its called Munster.
@Honeybadger197: so let’s see what you’re willing to acknowledge. How far back has any area been referred to as Palestine or a precursor?
@Tony Canning: Lets start with you withdrawing your previous comment Tony. We can take from there first – Ill be happy to address any questions thereafter.
@Honeybadger197: and that reply says all that anyone needs to know. You won’t say anything more because you know exactly where it leads. Enjoy the pram without the toys.
@Honeybadger197. Do you live in Hibernia?
@Tony Canning: I see basic comprehension has abandoned you. If you try rereading the last sentence of my comment, you’ll see that Im more than happy to address any question on the matter. You simply have to withdraw your previous comment. If you cant thats up to you.
@Honeybadger197: I know the answer and don’t need you to admit it. Anyone else with an ounce of sense can see that you’re taking a subjective view that refuses to acknowledge any other that may contradict yours. Like I said, you’re not refusing to answer due to anything I’ve said. You’re refusing to answer because you know what the answer is and that it would harm your subjective position. That’s your choice, but if you think I’m going to withdraw something then you’re deluded. If you think I’ve said anything offensive then report it. If you want to bother replying again, try doing it with some honesty.
Yeah, Tommy Mary McGinty’s records refer to the area as Judea too- it still doesn’t change the fact that Judea hasn’t existed since Hadrien dissolved it.
@Tony Canning: whats subjective about a fact? Judea and Samaria have been known as such for thousands of years. The West Bank bit came into effect with Jordan. Thats the only point I made. Yourself and Risen decided this was incorrect, and you’ve both attempted to shoehorn a question about the naming/ history of the wider region as Palestine. Again, i said i was happy to engage your additional point once you withdrew your unnecessary comment.
@Ross Stewart:
Jews from Judea, Arabs from Arabia…Parthians from Parthia? and where can I find one of those?
And the Fascist state of Israel continues to steal land illegal under international all the while murdering Palestinian children as it goes, while its apologists continue to ignore the truth of what this racist colony really is.
@Damian, that absurd statement clearly shows you are deluded. Israel is the only democracy in the region.
@ willy Grogan … Another comic statement !
Israel is a democratic state ! Hilarious .. How many Palestinian children are in prison there without trial … Remember Imprisioning children is against all international democratic norm , not to mention denying them a trial !
@Ibhar Mac Suibhne: You’re comparing the perfectly acceptable Israeli legal system, which has had to deal with 55 terrorist attacks like last week’s one in London in recent years, with its Arab neighbours? Seriously? It’s obviously you’re a left wing looney and I suppose being deluded is necessary to hold that world view but no Arab state has ANY legal system.
Israel doesn’t execute gays, Iran does. The Saudis execute women for having sex. The Gaza terrorist outfit brutally shot dead in the streets “enemies” 2 years ago in front of children and after the last election, they held 10 years ago, they threw opposition politicians to their deaths from roofs. The Arabs in all parts of Arabia use children as human shields, suicide bombers and mass indoctrination to make them become jihadis is standard. You’re clearly as stark raving mad as any religious nut.
Answer the question Gorgy , how many kids in prison without trial in your so called democracy?
@Ibhar Mac Suibhne: Hundreds of terrorists some under 18 are in prison in Israel. What do you expect Israel to do with them? Maybe do what the Arabs do, hang them or chop their heads off? 30 Israelis have been murdered by terrorists since last winter started. Unfortunately the crazed Islamic zealots have brainwashed their own children to die as martyrs. Why aren’t you concerned with the training and use of children as terrorist “soldiers” which is also illegal under UN rules? Every country will jail violent criminals irrespective of their age, it’s just Israel has more of them.
@William Grogan: “some under the age of 18″….LOL!!
Let’s see what UNICEF says about your so called “democracy” :-
UNICEF 22-page report released 01/06/2013
“Over the past decade, Israeli forces have arrested, interrogated and prosecuted around 7,000 Palestinian children aged between between 12 and 17, most of them boys, the report said, noting the rate was equivalent to “an average of two children each day.”
“The analysis of the cases monitored by UNICEF identified examples of practices
that amount to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment according
to the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Convention against Torture.”
“In no other country are children systematically tried by juvenile military courts that, by definition, fall short of providing the necessary guarantees to ensure respect for their rights,” it said.
The vast majority of arrests are for throwing stones, which is considered an offence under Section 212 of Military Order 1651.
Although the maximum sentence for children of 12 and 13 is six months, the penalty rises dramatically from the age of 14 when a child can face a maximum penalty of between 10 and 20 years depending on the circumstances, it said.
In a step-by-step analysis of the procedure from arrest to trial, the report said the common experience of many children was being “aggressively awakened in the middle of the night by many armed soldiers and being forcibly brought to an interrogation centre tied and blindfolded, sleep deprived and in a state of extreme fear.”
Many were subjected to ill-treatment during the journey, with some suffering physical or verbal abuse, being painfully restrained or forced to lie on the floor of a vehicle for a transfer process of between one hour and one day.
In some cases, they suffered prolonged exposure to the elements and a lack of water, food or access to a toilet.
UNICEF said it found no evidence of any detainees being “accompanied by a lawyer or family member during the interrogation” and they were “rarely informed of their rights.”
“The interrogation mixes intimidation, threats and physical violence, with the clear purpose of forcing the child to confess,” it said, noting they were restrained during interrogation, sometimes for extended periods of time causing pain to their hands, back and legs.
“Children have been threatened with death, physical violence, solitary confinement and sexual assault, against themselves or a family member,” it said.
Most children confess at the end of the interrogation, signing forms in Hebrew which they hardly understand.
It also found children had been held in solitary confinement for between two days and a month before being taken to court, or even after sentencing.
During court hearings, children were in leg chains and shackles, and in most cases, “the principal evidence against the child is the child’s own confession, in most cases extracted under duress during the interrogation,” it found.
“Ultimately, almost all children plead guilty in order to reduce the length of their pretrial detention. Pleading guilty is the quickest way to be released. In short, the system does not allow children to defend themselves,” UNICEF concluded.
https://www.unicef.org/oPt/UNICEF_oPt_Children_in_Israeli_Military_Detention_Observations_and_Recommendations_-_6_March_2013.pdf
So this “democracy” systematically tortures and sexually abuses minors / kids …..that’s certainly not a democracy Willy is it?
@Ibhar Mac Suibhne: It’s interesting that the report refers to children throwing “stones”. They throw breeze blocks and boulders that need two hands to throw OR smaller rocks, thrown using a sling-shot. The young brainwashed terrorist recruits throw rocks at cars on motorways. These have seriously injured and killed innocent drivers including some Arab Israelis. So we are talking about murder and attempted murder by gangs organised by terrorist organisations.
Here’s one example of such a murder
https://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/15/world/middleeast/israel-west-bank-violence.html?_r=1
The UN, which is 25% controlled by Muslim dictatorships, passes more anti-Israeli motions than all other countries put together. The UN is a joke.
Why did you ignore this, “Why aren’t you concerned with the training and use of children as terrorist “soldiers” which is also illegal under UN rules? “
@Ibhar Mac Suibhne:
Hamas Bot alert
@Ibhar Mac Suibhne: Two civilians and a policeman were injured in the second knifing this week in Jerusalem. The teenage terrorist was shot and killed by Israeli police and was celebrated by Hamas as “heroic.” Not surprisingly, the attacker’s death made headlines around the world, while the open praise for his violence from within Palestinian society, did not.
Who brainwashed this 17 year old? Your terrorist friends did.
Long live Israel.
@ Brian I fear you might be right
Israel has no interest in peace, just in control, grabbing all the land and do the Palestinians over.
The Palestinians have no interest in peace, just in Jihad, grabbing all the land and do the Israelis over.
The US has no interest in peace, just in having an ally for military purposes in the region, selling/buying weapons and enhancing the profile of their politicians.
NGOs have no interest in peace, just in keeping the wound bleeding and the cash rolling in.
2000 years with this rubbish already these people.
They all deserve each other.
The heading is confusing as Israel has never stopped building since after WW2?
Just wondering if the roles were reversed would Hamas , let the Jews live among them ???
have your say