Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) is one of the interventions supported to reduce hypothermia (low body temperature) with the aim of reducing newborn deaths in Nigeria. Nigeria has the second highest number of deaths of newborns in the world, with 270,000 deaths in 2019.
Quality improvement trainings and monthly coaching have been conducted to strengthen interventions in health facilities in Nigeria. The Kwali General Hospital, as an example of a health facilities implementing QoC with the Quality of Care Network in Nigeria, has been using skin to skin care for all stable babies (irrespective of their weight) to reduce hypothermia, for early initiation of breastfeeding and to improve bonding. This hospital also piloted male involvement in KMC, especially designed for newborn babies delivered by cesarean section. After practicing 60-minute skin to skin (KMC), fathers reported to feel more fulfilled and involved in taking care of their newborns.
Read the full WHO story on: https://www.afro.who.int/news/more-nigerians-are-embracing-skin-skin-care-reduce-hypothermia-newborns
© WHO/Blink Media-Hilina Abebe
