NEONATAL TETANUS MORTALITY SURVEY, NORTH-OMO AND SOUTH-OMO ADMINISTRATIVE REGIONS, ETHIOPIA

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.