W. Alemu, NEONATAL TETANUS MORTALITY SURVEY, NORTH-OMO AND SOUTH-OMO ADMINISTRATIVE REGIONS, ETHIOPIA, Ethiopian medical journal, 31(2), 1993, pp. 99-107
Neonatal tetanus (NNT) is the second most frequent cause of infant mor
tality among the six vaccine preventable infections in developing coun
tries. However, lack of reliable data has largely obscured the importa
nce of the problem in these countries. A community based NNT mortality
survey was conducted, using cluster sample method developed by WHO/EP
I, in August 1989 in North and South Omo, Ethiopia. The study found 14
neonatal tetanus deaths among 2100 live births which occurred from 15
July 1988 to 15 July 1989, giving NNT mortality rate of 6.7/1000 LB (
live births) and an estimated incidence rate of 8.41/1000 LB, accounti
ng for 40 % of all neonatal deaths. Male newborns were 2.5 times more
commonly affected than females. Cutting of umbilical cord with unsteri
le instrument, home delivery attended by untrained TBAs, and lack of a
dequate tetanus TT immunization were found to be associated with incre
ased incidence of NNT. Acceleration and promotion of TT immunization o
f all women of child bearing age and training of TBAs in proper obstet
ric care, coupled with continuous supportive supervision, is recommend
ed in order to successfully execute the NNT elimination initiative und
ertaken by the Ministry of Health.