For this annotated source I found a powerpoint made for the 3rd Annual Scientific Conference for the College of Health Sciences in KNUST, Kumasi. The majority of it dealt with MDG4, Neonatal mortality, and improving Neonatal mortality.
Welfare of the state depends on the status of reproductive and child health. They are also indicators on the country's socio-economic situation and quality of life. You can see why these two aspects are so important to all countries. Ghana does not have the resources that other countries do. The physician to patient ratio is about 1 to 20,000. Right here you can see part of the problem.
MDG4 is to reduce the under- 5 mortality rate by two thirds between 1990 and 2015. Many factors come into play with this MDG. Immunizations are a big topic of discussion for the country. There are many diseases that could infect a newborn with such a weak immune system so it is important for immunizations to be given. However, many families can not afford these costly shots. The family size is also increasing in Ghana. By increasing population you increase all types of mortality rates. Unfortunately the developing world is generally not on track to meet the MDG target for under-five mortality.
Many neonatal deaths occur because of prematurity, Asphyxia (deficient supply of Oxygen to he Body), LBW (Low Birth Weight), Sepsis (Blood is infected with bacteria), and malformations/ congenital abnormalities. Underlying factors include poverty, poor neonatal care, under resourced health care facilities, and inadequate neonatal care skills. The country is focusing on spending money on teaching health professionals about neonatal care and how to treat different issues.
My project will be to primarily observe these treatments and teaching in the hospital. I hope to focus my research on this so that when I am in Ghana I am able to better grasp what is going on around me.
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